decompose

de·com·pose

verb \ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz\

de·com·posedde·com·pos·ing

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\ noun, plural de·com·pos·abil·i·ties

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