degradation

/ˌdɛɡɹəˈdeɪʃən/noun
High School
1

The act of reducing in rank, character, or reputation, or of abasing; a lowering from one's standing or rank in office or society

2

The state of being reduced in rank, character, or reputation; baseness; moral, physical, or intellectual degeneracy; disgrace; abasement; debasement.

3

Diminution or reduction of strength, efficacy, or value; degeneration; deterioration.

4

A gradual wearing down or wasting, as of rocks and banks, by the action of water, frost etc.

5

A deleterious change in the chemical structure, physical properties or appearance of a material from natural or artificial exposure.

6

The state or condition of a species or group which exhibits degraded forms; degeneration.

7

Arrest of development, or degeneration of any organ, or of the body as a whole.

8

The gradual breakdown of components of a material, as a result of a natural element, i.e.: heat, cold and wind.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Rhymes

Words that share the same ending sound pattern

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing