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 of putrefaction from the Web
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These deposits are believed to be formed by the decay and putrefaction of living organisms.
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For miles at a stretch, the only landmarks were corpses: foxes, raccoons, armadillos in various states of putrefaction on the margins of the Interstate.
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.
Origin and Etymology of putrefaction
Middle English putrefaccion, from Late Latin putrefaction-, putrefactio, from Latin putrefacere
Other Biochemistry Terms
PUTREFACTION Defined for English Language Learners
putrefaction
playDefinition of putrefaction for English Language Learners
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: the process or result of decaying
Medical Dictionary
putrefaction
playMedical 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
Learn More about putrefaction
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See words that rhyme with putrefaction Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for putrefaction Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about putrefaction
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