as in decomposition
the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances
clearing the refrigerator of what the previous tenant had left behind was like taking a course in the advanced putrefaction of leftovers
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Recent Examples of putrefaction
Gut bacteria, especially a class of microbes called Clostridia, spread through your organs and digest you from the inside out in a process called putrefaction.
—
Jennifer Debruyn, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2023
Once the body is out of sight underground, embalmed tissues eventually melt into a toxic putrefaction.
—Joan Meiners, Discover Magazine, 6 Aug. 2020
At the second month, both forelegs and hindlegs were partly skeletonized, and the abdomen and back showed advanced putrefaction.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2015
At the third month, the samples showed areas of mummification at the abdomen within a general context of initial putrefaction.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2015
See All Example Sentences for putrefaction
Jennifer Debruyn, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2023
Once the body is out of sight underground, embalmed tissues eventually melt into a toxic putrefaction.
—Joan Meiners, Discover Magazine, 6 Aug. 2020
At the second month, both forelegs and hindlegs were partly skeletonized, and the abdomen and back showed advanced putrefaction.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2015
At the third month, the samples showed areas of mummification at the abdomen within a general context of initial putrefaction.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2015
See All Example Sentences for putrefaction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for putrefaction
decay
Noun
-
The structure’s decay was captured in numerous photos, and demolition seemed imminent when the decision was made to rebuild it in conjunction with the new Power & Light District.—
Randy Mason,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2025
-
The Context Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has frequently railed against fluoride—which medical and dental experts say can be crucial in preventing tooth decay and cavities, especially in children who live in areas with lower levels of fluoride in drinking water.—
Sonam Sheth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Putrefaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/putrefaction. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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