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 This likely indicates that the bog butter once lay in a wooden container that has since decomposed. Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 27 Sep. 2024 An adventuring couple discovered a decomposing body Wednesday, and Couch's identity was confirmed Friday. Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 21 Sep. 2024 Detectives worked with the county Medical Examiner’s Office to exhume the decomposing body and determine he had been buried there two months earlier, Campbell said. Caleb Lunetta, The Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2024 After six days of searching, the McCoys had stumbled upon a decomposing body. Sharif Paget, CNN, 19 Sep. 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 10 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

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