decomposition
American-
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.
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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.
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See more at detritivore
Etymology
Origin of decomposition
1650–60; probably < French décomposition, derivative of décomposer to decompose; composition
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The decomposition of her body indicated that she had already been "deceased for several weeks", investigators have said.
From BBC
As decomposition speeds up, more CO2 from this enormous carbon store could enter the atmosphere.
From Science Daily
Dr Shepherd said the condition of her body was "consistent with mummification" as the cold winter air coming in through the open window "effectively turned the room into a fridge" and slowed down decomposition.
From BBC
There, detectives discovered the body of 87-year-old William Mitchell, which had been in the mortuary room for 36 days and showed "obvious signs of decomposition", the court heard.
From BBC
Some may be transformed into compounds that microbes can further break down, while others could become even more resistant to decomposition.
From Science Daily
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.
