decomposition
American-
The separation of a substance into simpler substances or basic elements. Decomposition can be brought about by exposure to heat, light, or chemical or biological activity.
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The process of breaking down organic material, such as dead plant or animal tissue, into smaller molecules that are available for use by the organisms of an ecosystem. Decomposition is carried on by bacteria, fungi, protists, worms, and certain other organisms.
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See more at detritivore
Etymology
Origin of decomposition
1650–60; probably < French décomposition, derivative of décomposer to decompose; see composition
Explanation
Decomposition is the process of decaying or rotting. If you've ever left a carved pumpkin on the porch into late November, you have seen and smelled decomposition. A "composition" is a paper or group of items that's put together, while a decomposition is a breaking down or coming apart. You can use the noun decomposition for rotting plants and animals. Some people keep a compost pile for trash decomposition, which produces fertilizer. Studying decomposition lets you see the different stages of rotting, and science teachers often let students leave out a piece of fruit on purpose, just to watch its decomposition and the growth of maggots.
Vocabulary lists containing decomposition
Earth Science - Middle School
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The Carbon Cycle
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Earth Science - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"This is because the whale may carry diseases that can also be transmitted to humans, and there may also be a risk of explosion," as decomposition creates large volumes of gases, it said.
From Barron's • May 16, 2026
Eckenrode, a retired FBI forensic scientist and expert in human decomposition, joined them in 2021.
From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026
According to Sheldrick, the mother had been dead for more than a day or longer, based on the level of decomposition.
From BBC • May 6, 2026
For instance, the rod-leading technique led to decomposition of WC near the top portion of the build, which created defects in the finished material.
From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026
The simplest of these is methane, or marsh gas, formed in nature by the bacterial decomposition of organic matter under water.
From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
