degree

Degree is a term used in several fields with distinct meanings. In mathematics and science, it denotes a measure of extent or level; in education, it refers to a level of academic qualification; in everyday use, it can describe temperature or angle size.

Angle degree: A degree (symbol °) is a unit of angle. A full circle contains 360 degrees; each degree can be subdivided into 60 minutes and 60 seconds. Degrees are used in geometry, astronomy, and navigation to specify directions and positions. Solid angles and spherical coordinates use related concepts.

Temperature degree: In weather and science, degrees are used to express temperature on scales such as Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F). The Kelvin scale uses kelvin as the unit of thermodynamic temperature. A degree can denote a relative change (one degree of temperature difference) or an absolute temperature on a given scale, which has a defined zero point.

Academic degree: An academic degree is a qualification awarded by an educational institution upon completion of a program of study. Common types include associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, sometimes with professional degrees in fields like medicine, law, or engineering. Degrees carry abbreviations such as BA, BS, MA, MS, or PhD, and requirements vary by country and program.

Degree in mathematics: In algebra, the degree of a polynomial is the highest power of its variable with a nonzero coefficient. In calculus, the concept extends to polynomials, rational functions, and differential equations, shaping properties such as polynomial behavior and solvability.