putrefaction
[pyoo-truh-fak-shuh n]
- 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.
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Origin of putrefaction
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for putrefaction
Historical Examples
Finding no matter liable to putrefaction to work on, it acts upon the best qualities of the flour, which it alters and corrupts.
The pews of the congregation are raised upon foundations of putrefaction.
The Stranger in FranceJohn Carr
But he did not and he could not know the meaning of putrefaction itself.
Fragments of science, V. 1-2John Tyndall
It is the month of July, and the weather is favourable to putrefaction.
Fragments of science, V. 1-2John Tyndall
It was cold and stiff, and putrefaction had already begun its work.
In Court and KampongHugh Clifford
Word Origin and History for putrefaction
n.
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).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.