a. 1. Reduced in rank, character, or reputation; debased; sunken; low; base. [ 1913 Webster ] The Netherlands . . . were reduced practically to a very degraded condition. Motley. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Biol.) Having the typical characters or organs in a partially developed condition, or lacking certain parts. [ 1913 Webster ] Some families of plants are degraded dicotyledons. Dana. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. [ Cf. F. degré 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. [ 1913 Webster ] |