decompose

verb

de·​com·​pose ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz How to pronounce decompose (audio)
decomposed; decomposing; decomposes

transitive verb

1
: to separate into constituent parts or elements or into simpler compounds
decompose water by electrolysis
decompose a word into its base and affixes
2
: rot

intransitive verb

: to break up into constituent parts by or as if by a chemical process : decay, rot
fruit decomposes
decomposable adjective
decomposition noun
Choose the Right Synonym for decompose

decay, decompose, rot, putrefy, spoil mean to undergo destructive dissolution.

decay implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection.

a decaying mansion

decompose stresses a breaking down by chemical change and when applied to organic matter a corruption.

the strong odor of decomposing vegetation

rot is a close synonym of decompose and often connotes foulness.

fruit was left to rot in warehouses

putrefy implies the rotting of animal matter and offensiveness to sight and smell.

corpses putrefying on the battlefield

spoil applies chiefly to the decomposition of foods.

keep the ham from spoiling

Examples of decompose in a Sentence

Bacteria and fungi help decompose organic matter. the smell of decomposing leaves The compound will decompose in the presence of light.
Recent Examples on the Web There is a compromise that can keep the grass healthy while allowing the decomposing leaves to enrich the soil. Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2024 An Oklahoma grandmother was sentenced to life in prison for killing her granddaughter and leaving her decomposing body in a trash can for several days so her son could enjoy Father’s Day, court records show. Kc Baker, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024 The stump grinding can be piled up in the back corner of the yard to decompose over a couple of years leaving you with topsoil to reuse in your garden. Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Oct. 2024 Lawn aeration is one of the most beneficial fall tasks that result in improved grass root growth and reduction in thatch, the layer of decomposing roots and stems that leads to less water penetration and shallow grass rooting. Betty Cahill, The Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for decompose 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decompose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French décomposer, from dé- de + composer to compose

First Known Use

1718, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decompose was in 1718

Dictionary Entries Near decompose

Cite this Entry

“Decompose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decompose. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

decompose

verb
de·​com·​pose ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz How to pronounce decompose (audio)
1
: to separate a thing into its parts or into simpler compounds
decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen
2
: to break down through chemical change : rot
decomposable adjective

Medical Definition

decompose

verb
de·​com·​pose ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz How to pronounce decompose (audio)
decomposed; decomposing

transitive verb

: to separate into constituent parts or elements or into simpler compounds
decompose water by electrolysis

intransitive verb

: to undergo chemical breakdown : decay, rot
fruit decomposes
decomposability noun
plural decomposabilities
decomposable adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on decompose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!