pu·tre·fac·tion 
(py′trə-făkshən)
(py′trə-făkshən)n.
1. Decomposition of organic matter, especially protein, by microorganisms, resulting in production of foul-smelling matter.
2. An amount of putrefied matter or an odor produced by such matter.
[Middle English putrefaccioun, from Late Latin putrefactiō, putrefactiōn-, from putrefactus, past participle of Latin putrefacere, to make rotten; see PUTREFY.]