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 Human composting is the practice of decomposing human remains like any other organic matter and turning it into soil that can be returned to the family or used for land. Ian Max Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 8 Feb. 2024 The 30-foot decomposing gray whale was likely washed ashore by the storms. Laylan Connelly, Orange County Register, 8 Feb. 2024 However, if the brakes are exposed to extreme heat (above 2,200°F), the rotor surface will begin to decompose and delaminate. Michael Harley, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Losing a large portion of the Amazon could turn a key carbon sink into a source of emissions, as wildfires burn and plants and animals decompose, no longer able to survive. Evan Bush, NBC News, 14 Feb. 2024 The pungent smell of a decomposing body, three bright orange yolks, the translucent skeleton of a small child, like the shell of a shrimp. Sanaë Lemoine, Harper's Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024 Eventually organic mulches become compressed and decompose and will need to be replenished. Dan Vierria, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024 Peatlands form in areas that are too wet for dead plants and animals to fully decompose. Washington Post, 19 Jan. 2024 Because their bodies were so badly decomposed, no specific cause of death could be determined. Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 19 Jan. 2024

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 19 Mar. 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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