degree

[ dih-gree ]
/ dɪˈgri /

noun

Idioms for degree

    by degrees, by easy stages; gradually: She grew angrier by degrees.
    to a degree,
    1. to a considerable extent; exceedingly.
    2. to a small extent; somewhat: He is to a degree difficult to get along with.

Origin of degree

1200–50; Middle English degre < Anglo-French, Old French < Vulgar Latin *dēgradus; see de-, grade

OTHER WORDS FROM degree

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH degree

certificate degree diploma license

British Dictionary definitions for by degrees

degree
/ (dɪˈɡriː) /

noun

Derived forms of degree

degreeless, adjective

Word Origin for degree

C13: from Old French degre, from Latin de- + gradus step, grade

Medical definitions for by degrees

degree
[ dĭ-grē ]

n.

A unit of measure on a temperature scale.
A division of a circle, equal to 1/360 of its circumference.
A position or rank within a graded series.

Scientific definitions for by degrees

degree
[ dĭ-grē ]

A unit division of a temperature scale.
  1. A unit for measuring an angle or an arc of a circle. One degree is 1360 of the circumference of a circle.
  2. This unit used to measure latitude or longitude on the Earth's surface.
The greatest sum of the exponents of the variables in a term of a polynomial or polynomial equation. For example, x3 + 2xy + x is of the third degree.

Cultural definitions for by degrees

degree

In geometry, a unit of measurement of angles, 1/360 of a circle. In physics, a unit of temperature (see Celsius, Fahrenheit (see also Fahrenheit), and Kelvin scale). A degree on the Fahrenheit scale is smaller than a degree on the Celsius or Kelvin scale. Degrees on the Celsius and Kelvin scales are the same size.

Idioms and Phrases with by degrees (1 of 2)

by degrees

Gradually, by successive steps or stages. For example, By degrees he began to delegate more and more of his duties to his staff. [Mid-1500s] Also see by inches.

Idioms and Phrases with by degrees (2 of 2)

degree

see by degrees; third degree; to some degree; to the nth degree.