definition of
degeneration

[1] #1 degeneration n. [devolution] the process of declining from a higher to a lower level of effective power or vitality or essential quality. wn

[2] #2 degeneration n. [degeneracy, decadence, decadency] the state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities. wn

[3] #3 degeneration n. [retrogression] passing from a more complex to a simpler biological form. wn