noun
1.
a unitary component of a process, course, or order of classification
advanced by degrees
Synonyms: grade, notch, rung, stage, step
2.
relative size or character of the parts or components in a complex whole compared with other like things
the degree of difference between the two jobs
is work demands a high degree of intelligence
Synonyms: proportion, rate, ratio, scale
Related Word: dimension; extent, magnitude, measure, size