putrefaction

[ pyoo-truh-fak-shuhn ]

noun

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

Other Words From

• putre·factive pu·tre·fa·cient [pyoo-tr, uh, -, fey, -sh, uh, nt], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of putrefaction¹

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

Example Sentences

In the putrefaction stage of corpse decomposition, bodies release several liters of water as well as a vast range of heavy metals in a brownish-gray liquid called cemetery leachate.

From Popular-Science

As a result, humans kept the products of bacterial putrefaction in their intestines for too long and they became toxic.

From Nautilus

This intestinal putrefaction theory gained such prominence that British surgeon William Lane advocated the removal of the entire large intestine to remediate digestive disorders.

From Nautilus

Her hands were shaking, slick and black with subdead putrefaction.

From The Daily Beast

Diminished hydrochloric acid favors intestinal putrefaction.

From Project Gutenberg

Molds, however, in feeding do cause chemical changes which result in decay or putrefaction.

From Project Gutenberg

In the pancreas after putrefaction, and in the fces of typhus patients, no skatol was found.

From Project Gutenberg

Ammonia is derived from the putrefaction of animal and vegetable substances.

From Project Gutenberg

Sudden putrefaction of meat takes place at a temperature of thirty-five degrees below zero.

From Project Gutenberg