The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word HYALIN
H
Y
A
L
I
N
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "result of degenerative process" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case result of degenerative process = hyalin.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HYALIN mean?
HYALIN noun- Anything glassy, translucent or transparent; the sea or sky.
- A clear translucent substance in tissues.
- The main constituent of the walls of hydatid cysts; a nitrogenous body, which, by decomposition, yields a dextrogyrate sugar, susceptible to alcoholic fermentation.