decay
verb (used without object)
to become decomposed; rot.
decayed
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.
To investigate the mystery, the researchers measured gamma rays produced as a radioactive copper isotope decayed into zinc.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 21, 2026
Yet, despite this surge of security personnel, basic living conditions have only decayed.
From Slate ● Aug. 11, 2026
The decayed plant turns black and is caught in a sieve, allowing the seeds to fall to the bottom of the catching tub.
From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026
“Remote and hybrid work used to be a privilege, but its benefits over in-person work have decayed across the board,” Chris Martin, senior economist at Glassdoor, told MarketWatch.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 27, 2026
By then all the stars will have burned out and the protons and neutrons in them will probably have decayed into light particles and radiation.
From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking
