putrefaction

noun

pu·tre·fac·tion | \ ˌpyü-trə-ˈfak-shən

Definition of putrefaction

1 : the decomposition of organic matter especially : the typically anaerobic splitting of proteins by bacteria and fungi with the formation of foul-smelling incompletely oxidized products

2 : the state of being putrefied : corruption

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Examples of putrefaction in a Sentence

clearing the refrigerator of what the previous tenant had left behind was like taking a course in the advanced putrefaction of leftovers

Recent Examples on the Web

Bodies are still being pulled from the ruins and the smell of putrefaction hangs in the air. — The Economist, "Iraq’s recaptured territory is being neglected," 12 Oct. 2017 For miles at a stretch, the only landmarks were corpses: foxes, raccoons, armadillos in various states of putrefaction on the margins of the Interstate. — Mark O’connell, New York Times, "600 Miles in a Coffin-Shaped Bus, Campaigning Against Death Itself," 9 Feb. 2017 These deposits are believed to be formed by the decay and putrefaction of living organisms. — Jay Bennett, Popular Mechanics, "The World's Oldest Fossils Unearthed in Canada," 1 Mar. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'putrefaction.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of putrefaction was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for putrefaction

putrefaction

noun

English Language Learners Definition of putrefaction

: the process or result of decaying

See the full definition for putrefaction in the English Language Learners Dictionary

putrefaction

noun

pu·tre·fac·tion | \ ˌpyü-trə-ˈfak-shən

Medical Definition of putrefaction

1 : the decomposition of organic matter especially : the typically anaerobic splitting of proteins by bacteria and fungi with the formation of foul-smelling incompletely oxidized products

2 : the state of being putrefied