decomposition

de·com·po·si·tion

noun \(ˌ)dē-ˌkäm-pə-ˈzish-ən\

Definition of DECOMPOSITION

: the act or process of decomposing : the state of being decomposed: a : the separation or resolution (as of a substance) into constituent parts or elements or into simpler compounds <decomposition of mercuric oxide into mercury and oxygen> b : organic decay <the decomposition of a dead body>