decompose
/ˌdiːkəmˈpoʊz/
verb
decomposes;
decomposed;
decomposing
decompose
/ˌdiːkəmˈpoʊz/
verb
decomposes;
decomposed;
decomposing
Britannica Dictionary definition of DECOMPOSE
1
:
to cause something (such as dead plants and the bodies of dead animals) to be slowly destroyed and broken down by natural processes, chemicals, etc.
[+ object]
-
Bacteria and fungi help decompose organic matter.
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partially decomposed bodies
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[no object]
-
The wood on our deck is beginning to decompose. [=(less formally) rot]
-
the smell of decomposing leaves
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Synonyms see: [1]decay
2
technical
:
to cause something (such as a chemical) to be separated into smaller or simpler parts
[+ object]
-
decompose a chemical compound
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[no object]
-
The compound will decompose in the presence of light.
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— decomposition
/diˌkɑːmpəˈzɪʃən/
noun
[noncount]
-
The wood is already showing signs of decomposition.
-
the decomposition of organic matter
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