degradation /di′grədā″shən/ [L, de + gradu, step] , 1. the conversion of a chemical compound to a less complex compound, usually by splitting off one or more groups or subgroups of atoms, as in deamination. −degrade, adj. 2. a decline to a lower condition, quality, or level. Decomposition of a compound, especially complex substances such as polymers and proteins, by stages, exhibiting well-defined intermediate products.
