rot

106 ENTRIES FOUND:

1rot

verb \ˈrät\
rot·tedrot·ting

Definition of ROT

intransitive verb
1
a : to undergo decomposition from the action of bacteria or fungi b : to become unsound or weak (as from use or chemical action)
2
a : to go to ruin : deteriorate b : to become morally corrupt : degenerate
transitive verb
: to cause to decompose or deteriorate with or as if with rot

Examples of ROT

  1. The wood had rotted away.
  2. The apples were left to rot.
  3. the smell of rotting garbage
  4. Eating too much candy can rot your teeth.

Origin of ROT

Middle English roten, from Old English rotian; akin to Old High German rōzzēn to rot
First Known Use: before 12th century

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: rota
Previous Word in the Dictionary: rosy periwinkle
All Words Near: rot

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up rot? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Test Your Vocabulary

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Name That Thing

Take our visual vocab quiz

Test Your Knowledge »

True or False?

A quick quiz about stuff worth knowing

Take It Now »

Join Us on FB & Twitter

Get the Word of the Day and More

Facebook | Twitter

Get Our Free Apps

Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More

iPhone | iPad | Android | More