dɪˈɡreɪd v. 1 tr.
reduce to a lower rank,
esp. as a
punishment. 2 tr.
bring into dishonour or
contempt. 3 tr. Chem. reduce to a simpler
molecular structure. 4 tr.
Physics reduce (energy) to a
less convertible form. 5 tr. Geol. wear down (rocks etc.) by
disintegration. 6 intr.
degenerate. 7 intr. Chem.
disintegrate. øødegradable adj. degradation n. degradative adj. degrader n. [ME f. OF degrader f. eccl.L degradare (as
DE-, L gradus step)]