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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:

Peat is partially decomposed vegetation that builds up in waterlogged ground over centuries, storing more carbon than any other soil on Earth.

From BBC ● Sep. 12, 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

What remains that haven’t been scavenged have decomposed to the point where DNA analysis is difficult and all but useless in Gaza, where there are no functioning laboratories able to test and compare samples.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 9, 2026

Holding my breath, I squeeze my eyes shut and pinch my decomposed arm.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung

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