Definition of disintegrate
transitive verb
1 : to break or decompose into constituent elements, parts, or small particles water disintegrates the limestone
2 : to destroy the unity or integrity (see integrity 3) of The lies disintegrated their marriage.
intransitive verb
1 : to break or separate into constituent elements or parts The iron hinges were disintegrateing into dust.
2 : to lose unity or integrity by or as if by breaking into parts The relationship started to disintegrate.
3 : to undergo a change in composition (see composition 2) an atomic nucleus that disintegrates because of radioactivity
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Examples of disintegrate in a Sentence
The paper will disintegrate if it gets wet.
The laser can disintegrate most kinds of rock.
Recent Examples of disintegrate from the Web
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The shuttle disintegrated upon reentering Earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven crew members.
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When ice shelves disintegrate, ice from the glaciers that feed them can flow faster from the land to the ocean, contributing to sea level rise.
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A second virtual experience puts you onto an airplane that peacefully disintegrates midair.
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Herrmann said concrete will undergo severe cracking at about 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit and start disintegrating at higher temperatures.
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After all, the alternative would have been to see the fountain gradually disintegrate—
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Larsen A, and Larsen B – have already largely disintegrated.
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Add lentils, celery and carrot, then pour in stock; simmer 30 to 45 minutes, until lentils have largely disintegrated.
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The thallium would disintegrate by the time an autopsy could be performed, leaving no physical evidence of poisoning.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disintegrate'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
1796
First Known Use of disintegrate
1796
DISINTEGRATE Defined for English Language Learners
disintegrate
playDefinition of disintegrate for English Language Learners
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: to break apart into many small parts or pieces
DISINTEGRATE Defined for Kids
disintegrate
playDefinition of disintegrate for Students
disintegrated
;disintegrating
: to separate or break up into small parts or pieces
Medical Dictionary
disintegrate
playMedical Definition of disintegrate
disintegrated
;disintegrating
transitive verb
: to break or decompose into constituent elements, parts, or small particles1
intransitive verb
: to break or separate into constituent elements or parts2: to undergo a change in composition an atomic nucleus that disintegrates because of radioactivity
Learn More about disintegrate
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See words that rhyme with disintegrate Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for disintegrate Spanish Central: Translation of disintegrate Nglish: Translation of disintegrate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of disintegrate for Arabic speakers
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