putrefaction

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

Other Words from putrefaction Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about putrefaction

Keep scrolling for more

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 All three methods delay the process of putrefaction. — The Economist, "Ikejime: a humane way to kill fish that makes them tastier," 4 Oct. 2019 All three methods delay the process of putrefaction. — The Economist, "Ikejime: a humane way to kill fish that makes them tastier," 4 Oct. 2019 All three methods delay the process of putrefaction. — The Economist, "Ikejime: a humane way to kill fish that makes them tastier," 4 Oct. 2019 All three methods delay the process of putrefaction. — The Economist, "Ikejime: a humane way to kill fish that makes them tastier," 4 Oct. 2019 All three methods delay the process of putrefaction. — The Economist, "Ikejime: a humane way to kill fish that makes them tastier," 4 Oct. 2019 All three methods delay the process of putrefaction. — The Economist, "Ikejime: a humane way to kill fish that makes them tastier," 4 Oct. 2019 During the saponification process, the body’s fatty acids turn into a waxy, soap-like compound that covers the corpse and prevents putrefaction. — Oscar Urbiola, National Geographic, "How did 18th-century vampire hunters identify the undead? Blood and fingernails," 29 Oct. 2019 All three methods delay the process of putrefaction. — The Economist, "Ikejime: a humane way to kill fish that makes them tastier," 4 Oct. 2019

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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about putrefaction

Dictionary Entries near putrefaction

Statistics for putrefaction

Cite this Entry

“Putrefaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/putrefaction. Accessed 8 Jul. 2020.

Keep scrolling for more

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

Keep scrolling for more