decompose

de·com·pose

verb \ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz\

Definition of DECOMPOSE

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>

— de·com·pos·abil·i·ty \-ˌpō-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— de·com·pos·able \-ˈpō-zə-bəl\ adjective

— de·com·po·si·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌkäm-pə-ˈzi-shən\ noun

Examples of DECOMPOSE

1. Bacteria and fungi help decompose organic matter.
2. the smell of decomposing leaves
3. The compound will decompose in the presence of light.

Origin of DECOMPOSE

French décomposer, from dé- de + composer to compose

First Known Use: 1718

Related to DECOMPOSE

Synonyms

break down, corrupt, decay, disintegrate, fester, foul, mold, molder, perish [chiefly British], putrefy, rot, spoil

Related Words

sour, turn, turn off [British]; contaminate, defile, pollute, taint; addle, curdle, ferment; mortify; rust; crumble, decline, degenerate, descend, deteriorate, dilapidate, sink, wither

Near Antonyms

age, develop, grow, mature, ripen; refresh, renew, restore; cleanse, purify; assemble, compose, integrate; ameliorate, better, improve, meliorate

See Synonym Discussion at decay

Other Microbiology Terms

pathogen, salmonella, tetanus

de·com·pose

verb \ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz\   (Medical Dictionary)

de·com·posed; de·com·pos·ing

Medical Definition of DECOMPOSE

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>

—de·com·pos·abil·i·ty \-ˌpō-zə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ (audio pronunciation) noun, plural ; de·com·pos·abil·i·ties

—de·com·pos·able \-ˈpō-zə-bəl\ (audio pronunciation) adjective