[dɪˈɡriː], (Noun)

Definitions:
- the amount, level, or extent to which something happens or is present
(e.g: a degree of caution is probably wise)

- a unit of measurement of angles, one ninetieth of a right angle or the angle subtended by one three-hundred-and-sixtieth of the circumference of a circle
(e.g: set at an angle of 45 degrees)

- a unit in any of various scales of temperature, intensity, or hardness
(e.g: water boils at 100 degrees Celsius)

- an academic rank conferred by a college or university after examination or after completion of a course, or conferred as an honour on a distinguished person
(e.g: a degree in zoology)

- social or official rank
(e.g: persons of unequal degree)


Phrases:
- by degrees
- to a degree

Origin:
Middle English (in the senses ‘step’, ‘tier’, ‘rank’, or ‘relative state’): from Old French, based on Latin de- ‘down’ + gradus ‘step or grade’