degree

English Online Dictionary. What means degree‎? What does degree mean?

English

Etymology

From Middle English degre, borrowed from Old French degré (French: degré), itself from Latin gradus, with the prefix de-.

Pronunciation

• enPR: dĭgrē', IPA^(key): /dɪˈɡɹiː/
• Rhymes: -iː

Noun

degree (plural degrees)

2. (education) A stage of proficiency or qualification in a course of study, now especially an award bestowed by a university/college, as a certification of academic achievement. (In the United States, can include secondary schools.) [from 14th c.]

4. (geometry) A unit of measurement of angle equal to ¹⁄₃₆₀ of a circle's circumference. [from 14th c.]

6. (physics) A unit of measurement of temperature on any of several scales, such as Celsius or Fahrenheit. [from 18th c.]

8. (algebra) The sum of the exponents of a term; the order of a polynomial. [from 18th c.]

9. (algebra, field theory) The dimensionality of a field extension.

10. (graph theory) The number of edges that a vertex takes part in; a valency.
11. (logic) The number of logical connectives in a formula.
12. (surveying) The curvature of a circular arc, expressed as the angle subtended by a fixed length of arc or chord.
14. (geography) A unit of measurement of latitude and longitude which together identify a location on the Earth's surface.
15. (grammar) Any of the stages (like positive, comparative, superlative, elative) in the comparison of an adjective or an adverb.
16. (obsolete outside heraldry) A step on a set of stairs; the rung of a ladder. [from 13th c.]
17. An individual step, or stage, in any process or scale of values. [from 13th c.]
18. A stage of rank or privilege; social standing. [from 13th c.]
19. (genealogy) A ‘step’ in genealogical descent. [from 14th c.]
20. (now rare) One's relative state or experience; way, manner. [from 14th c.]
22. The amount that an entity possesses a certain property; relative intensity, extent. [from 14th c.]

Usage notes

• A person who is engaged in a course of study leading to the earning of a degree can be described (in the present progressive tense) as "doing a degree" in British English, and as "getting a degree" in American English. For example, in American English, "She is currently getting her master's degree at State University." In British English, "I am still confused about when to use 'an' instead of 'a'. Is it an hour or a hour, and if someone is doing a master's degree in arts, is it an MA or a MA?" (Ask Oxford.Com - Ask the Experts - Frequently Asked Questions (Grammar)).

Synonyms

• (unit of angle): °, arcdegree
• (unit of temperature): °
• (unit of latitude): °
• (unit of longitude): °

Coordinate terms

• scale

Derived terms

Translations

See also

Other terms used in arithmetic operations:

Advanced hyperoperations: tetration, pentation, hexation

Anagrams

• re-edge

Middle English

Etymology 1

Noun

degree

1. Alternative form of decre

Etymology 2

Noun

degree

1. Alternative form of degre