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decomposition
[ dee-kom-puh-zish-uhn ]
decomposition
/ dē-kŏm′pə-zĭsh′ən /
- 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.
- 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.
- See more at detritivore
Word History and Origins
Origin of decomposition1
Example Sentences
As Johnson removed items from the car’s trunk before it was to be towed, the officer noticed the smell of decomposition.
Microscopic analysis of the bones and surrounding soil confirmed that the body was rapidly covered after burial and that decomposition took place in the pit.
Microscopic study of the fossils and chemical analyses of pit sediment indicated that the child’s body was interred soon after death, before decomposition began.
While this kind of chemical decomposition has been tried with other plastics, it has proven very energy and carbon emission intensive, which is why it’s still far more common to simply melt plastics back down to recycle them.
Embedding polymer-chomping enzymes in biodegradable plastic should accelerate decomposition.
I learned some things I can never unlearn about organic decomposition and human bone.
Part of the decomposition process causes bodies to bloat and blood to sometimes seep from the mouth.
Where bodies are planted to study the forensics of decomposition.
And what effect, if any, does the fact that her body was found floating in water have on the rate of decomposition?
The other two stages of decomposition, “advanced decay” and “remains,” can be read about here.
Acetone is derived from decomposition of diacetic acid, and this in turn from beta-oxybutyric acid by oxidation.
(c) Decomposition of exudates anywhere in the body, as in empyema, bronchiectasis, and large tuberculous cavities.
Decomposition sets in rapidly, especially in warm weather, and greatly interferes with all the examinations.
Various substances are always precipitated during decomposition, which may take place either within or without the body.
Its chemical composition is unknown, but it is nitrogenous, and is believed to be produced by the decomposition of gluten.
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