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deg·ra·da·tion .deg-rə-'dā-shən n change of a chemical compound to a less complex compound
deg·ra·da·tive 'deg-rə-.dāt-iv adj
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deg·ra·da·tion (deg″rə-daґshən) the reduction of a chemical compound to one less complex, as by splitting off one or more groups. Cf. lysis.Medical dictionary. 2011.