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.

Sphagnum moss can hold 20 times its weight in water and helps create peat bogs, where dead vegetation accumulates rather than decays, capturing carbon in the ground.

From BBC • Feb. 8, 2026

The research team focused on detecting moments when a high-energy neutrino hits a carbon-13 nucleus and converts it into nitrogen-13, a radioactive form of nitrogen that decays roughly ten minutes later.

From Science Daily • Dec. 12, 2025

It contains radium that decays into radon gas, which is radioactive and can cause cancer.

From Barron's • Oct. 10, 2025

Keeping the truth from someone might not be outright dishonesty, but it’s a rot that decays the same way, just festering at a slower pace.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2025

As the manure/woodchip mix decays it heats up, warming the barn.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan