decomposition

[ dee-kom-puh-zish-uhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of decomposing.
2. the state of being decomposed; decomposed; decay.

decomposition

/ dē-kŏm′pə-zĭsh′ən /

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. See more at detritivore

Word History and Origins

Origin of decomposition¹

1650–60; probably < French décomposition, derivative of décomposer to decompose; composition

Example Sentences

As Johnson removed items from the car’s trunk before it was to be towed, the officer noticed the smell of decomposition.

From Washington Post

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.

From Singularity Hub 

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.

From Science News

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.

From Singularity Hub 

Embedding polymer-chomping enzymes in biodegradable plastic should accelerate decomposition.

From Science News

I learned some things I can never unlearn about organic decomposition and human bone.

From The Daily Beast

Part of the decomposition process causes bodies to bloat and blood to sometimes seep from the mouth.

From The Daily Beast

Where bodies are planted to study the forensics of decomposition.

From The Daily Beast

And what effect, if any, does the fact that her body was found floating in water have on the rate of decomposition?

From The Daily Beast

The other two stages of decomposition, “advanced decay” and “remains,” can be read about here.

From The Daily Beast

Acetone is derived from decomposition of diacetic acid, and this in turn from beta-oxybutyric acid by oxidation.

From Project Gutenberg

(c) Decomposition of exudates anywhere in the body, as in empyema, bronchiectasis, and large tuberculous cavities.

From Project Gutenberg

Decomposition sets in rapidly, especially in warm weather, and greatly interferes with all the examinations.

From Project Gutenberg

Various substances are always precipitated during decomposition, which may take place either within or without the body.

From Project Gutenberg

Its chemical composition is unknown, but it is nitrogenous, and is believed to be produced by the decomposition of gluten.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• decay
• disintegration