[W/K] :: degraded

  Degrade \De*grade"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Degraded; p. pr. &
     vb. n. Degrading.] [F. d['e]grader, LL. degradare, fr. L.
     de- + gradus step, degree. See Grade, and cf. Degree.]
     1. To reduce from a higher to a lower rank or degree; to
        lower in rank; to deprive of office or dignity; to strip
        of honors; as, to degrade a nobleman, or a general
        officer.
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              Prynne was sentenced by the Star Chamber Court to be
              degraded from the bar.                --Palfrey.
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     2. To reduce in estimation, character, or reputation; to
        lessen the value of; to lower the physical, moral, or
        intellectual character of; to debase; to bring shame or
        contempt upon; to disgrace; as, vice degrades a man.
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              O miserable mankind, to what fall
              Degraded, to what wretched state reserved! --Milton.
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              Yet time ennobles or degrades each line. --Pope.
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              Her pride . . . struggled hard against this
              degrading passion.                    --Macaulay.
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     3. (Geol.) To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and
        mountains; to wear down.
  
     Syn: To abase; demean; lower; reduce. See Abase.
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  Degraded \De*grad"ed\, a.
     1. Reduced in rank, character, or reputation; debased;
        sunken; low; base.
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              The Netherlands . . . were reduced practically to a
              very degraded condition.              --Motley.
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     2. (Biol.) Having the typical characters or organs in a
        partially developed condition, or lacking certain parts.
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              Some families of plants are degraded dicotyledons.
                                                    --Dana.
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     3. [Cf. F. degr['e] step.] (Her.) Having steps; -- said of a
        cross each of whose extremities finishes in steps growing
        larger as they leave the center; -- termed also on
        degrees.
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  degraded
       adj 1: unrestrained by convention or morality; "Congreve draws a
              debauched aristocratic society"; "deplorably
              dissipated and degraded"; "riotous living"; "fast
              women" [syn: debauched, degenerate, dissipated,
              dissolute, libertine, profligate, riotous, fast]
       2: lowered in value; "the dollar is low"; "a debased currency"
          [syn: debased, devalued]