decomposition

[dee-kom-puh-zish-uhn]

noun

1. the act or process of decomposing.

2. the state of being decomposed; decomposed; decay.

decomposition

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

"The cause of death could not be determined due to the state of decomposition of the bodies," Tersch said.

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Part of the research on the bones would also be to see whether the process of decomposition in the soil had cleaned them of any remaining tissue, he added.

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The decomposition of her body indicated that she had already been "deceased for several weeks", investigators said.

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County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene but couldn’t determine the gender of the person due to the level of decomposition.

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Mr Stephen's body was found in an advanced stage of decomposition.

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Related Words

• decay 
• disintegration