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Synonyms

decomposition

American  
[dee-kom-puh-zish-uhn] / ˌdi kɒm pəˈzɪʃ ən /

noun

  1. the act or process of decomposing.

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

decomposition Scientific  
/ 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

Etymology

Origin of decomposition

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.