Degradation
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /ˌdɛgɹəˈdeɪʃən/
- Rhymes: -eɪʃən
Origin
From French dégradation
Full definition of degradation
Noun
degradation
(plural degradations)- The act of reducing in rank, character, or reputation, or of abasing; a lowering from one's standing or rank in office or society; diminution; as, the degradation of a peer, a knight, a general, or a bishop.
- The state of being reduced in rank, character, or reputation; baseness; moral, physical, or intellectual degeneracy; disgrace; abasement; debasement.
- Diminution or reduction of strength, efficacy, or value; degeneration; deterioration.
- (geology) A gradual wearing down or wasting, as of rocks and banks, by the action of water, frost etc.
- A deleterious change in the chemical structure, physical properties or appearance of a material from natural or artificial exposure.
- The state or condition of a species or group which exhibits degraded forms; degeneration.
- Arrest of development, or degeneration of any organ, or of the body as a whole.
- The gradual breakdown of components of a material, as a result of a natural element, i.e.: heat, cold and wind.