putrefaction

[pyoo-truh-fak-shuh n]

See more synonyms for putrefaction on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act or process of putrefying; the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter by bacteria and fungi that results in obnoxiously odorous products; rotting.
the state of being putrefied; decay.

Origin of putrefaction

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin putrefactiōn- (stem of putrefactiō) a rotting, equivalent to Latin putrefact(us) (past participle of putrefacere to putrefy) + -iōn- -ion

Related formspu·tre·fac·tive, pu·tre·fa·cient

[pyoo-truh-fey-shuh nt] /ˌpyu trəˈfeɪ ʃənt/, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for putrefaction

ruination, dilapidation, putrescence, dissolution, adulteration, decrease, extinction, disintegration, fading, decadence, decline, mortification, senescence, consumption, rot, ruin, downfall, decomposition, blight, impairment

Examples from the Web for putrefaction

Historical Examples of putrefaction

Finding no matter liable to putrefaction to work on, it acts upon the best qualities of the flour, which it alters and corrupts.
The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches,
Mary Eaton
The pews of the congregation are raised upon foundations of putrefaction.
The Stranger in France
John Carr
But he did not and he could not know the meaning of putrefaction itself.
Fragments of science, V. 1-2
John Tyndall
It is the month of July, and the weather is favourable to putrefaction.
Fragments of science, V. 1-2
John Tyndall
It was cold and stiff, and putrefaction had already begun its work.
In Court and Kampong
Hugh Clifford

Word Origin and History for putrefaction

c.1400, from Old French putrefaction (14c.), from Latin putrefactionem (nominative putrefactio), noun of action from past participle stem of putrefacere "to make rotten," from putrere "to be rotten" (see putrid) + facere "to make, do" (see factitious).

putrefaction in Medicine

putrefaction

[pyōō′trə-făk′shən]

Decomposition of organic matter, especially protein, by microorganisms, resulting in production of foul-smelling matter.
Putrefied matter.
The condition of being putrefied.