Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for "decomposed"
Synonyms

decomposed

American  
[dee-kuhm-pohzd] / ˌdi kəmˈpoʊzd /

adjective

  1. having undergone decomposition.

  2. (of a feather) having the barbs separate, hanging loosely, and not interconnected by barbules.


Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of decomposed

First recorded in 1840–50; decompose + -ed 2


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.

See Examples For:

He then sequenced the genetic material and carefully analyzed the extensive data to determine which microbes and genes became especially abundant as the bioplastics decomposed.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 16, 2026

"The smell is like decaying wood being burned – that's the characteristic smell of peat. And that peat contains decomposed wood and organic material from many different sources."

From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2026

The fires are difficult to extinguish because many occurred on peatlands, a wetland ecosystem with layers of partially decomposed organic materials that become flammable when dry.

From Barron's ● Sep. 5, 2026

Unlike in 1986, when many of the artifacts, especially the elephant tusks, decomposed after being exposed to the open air, Ran improvised a new system for the dig.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 8, 2026

They macerate and digest the leaves, and aid in mixing the decomposed matter with the surface soil.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training