degeneration

• 指从较高级或复杂状态向较低级、简单或衰弱状态衰退的过程；也指精神或道德品质的退化，或生物体结构由复杂向简单的演变。

A noun referring to the process of declining from a higher to a lower level of effective power, vitality, or essential quality, or the state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities, or passing from a more complex to a simpler biological form.

不可数

1. Decline in quality or functionB2formal

   The process of becoming worse in quality, strength, or effectiveness over time.

   退化

   • The degeneration of the old building was evident in its crumbling walls.
   • Doctors are studying the degeneration of muscle tissue in elderly patients.
   • The company's degeneration was caused by poor management decisions.

   同义词corruptiondebasementdecaydeclinedegradationdeteriorationimpairmentregressionretrogressionworsening

   反义词advancementdevelopmentenhancementgrowthimprovementprogressionrecoveryrestoration

2. Moral or mental declineC1formal

   A state of decline in moral standards, mental abilities, or social behavior.

   堕落

   • The degeneration of public discourse is a growing concern.
   • His mental degeneration was noticeable after years of isolation.
   • The novel explores the moral degeneration of a once-noble family.

   同义词corruptiondebasementdecaydeclinedegradationdescentdeteriorationdevolutiondownfallregressionretrogression

   反义词advancementdevelopmentelevationimprovementprogressregeneration

3. Biological simplificationC1formalscientific

   The process by which an organism or structure becomes simpler or less complex in form during evolution or development.

   生物退化

   • The degeneration of the human appendix is a classic example of evolutionary change.
   • Some parasites show degeneration, losing organs they no longer need.
   • Biologists study the degeneration of certain species in isolated environments.

   同义词devolutioninvolutionregressionretrogressionsimplification

   反义词advancementdevelopmentevolutionprogression