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.
A gradual wearing down or
wasting, as of rocks and banks, by the action of water, frost
etc.
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.
In celebration of Noah Webster's Birthday (October 16, 2009), we have prepared an updated website. 
