decomposition
/ˌdiːkɒmpəˈzɪʃn
/noun [mass noun]
The state or process of rotting; decay: the decomposition of organic waste...
- A veterinary surgeon who visited the farm later reported a smell which indicated the advanced decomposition of animal remains.
- Police reported that the bodies were in such a state of decomposition that they were unable to tell if there were any marks of violence.
- Layers of leaves or other organic matter are sometimes added to speed decomposition.
Synonyms
decay, rotting, going bad, putrefaction, putrescence, putridity, festering, spoilage, perishing
archaic corruption
breaking up, breaking apart, fragmenting, disintegration, crumbling, dissolution, dissolving;
breaking down, decay, decaying
separation, division, breakdown, break-up;
dissection, atomization, dissolution, resolution, analysis, reduction
rare fractionation