decayverb
uk/dɪˈkeɪ/us/dɪˈkeɪ/B2 [ I or T ] to become gradually damaged, worse, or less; to cause something to do this:
Sugar makes your teeth decay.
The role of the extended family has been decaying for some time.
Pollution has decayed the surface of the stonework on the front of the cathedral.
the smell of decaying meat
[ I ] specialized physics If a radioactive substance decays, it changes to a different form, producing radiation:
Radioactive uranium decays into stable lead at a known rate.
As the actinium-225 decays, it gives off short-lived, highly energized alpha particles.
More examples
- Floating in the dirty river were dead fish, already starting to decay.
- The bacteria live on food particles and produce acid that decays the enamel on your teeth.
- The flesh on a dead body decays very rapidly.
- It's sad to watch a beautiful rose wither and decay in such a short time.
- Plants and animals decay into the soil, replenishing the minerals and nutrients.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Decaying and staying fresh
- best-before date
- biodegradable
- biodegrade
- compostable
- decompose
- go off
- keep
- molder
- moulder
- perishable
- pull date
- putrefaction
- putrefy
- putrid
- rack
- rot
- seed
- shrivel
- spoil
- wormy
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Deteriorating and making worse
decaynoun [ U ]
uk/dɪˈkeɪ/us/dɪˈkeɪ/C2 the process of decaying:
environmental/industrial/moral/urban decay
dental/tooth decay
The buildings had started to fall into decay.
This industry has been in decay for some time.
specialized physics the process by which a radioactive substance changes to a different form, producing radiation:
Radon is emitted in the natural decay of radioactive materials in rock and soil.
the decay rate of beryllium-7
More examples
- Many children come to us with severe dental decay.
- Unemployment and inner city decay are inseparable issues which must be tackled together.
- Sugar is a major cause of tooth decay.
- The mansion had an atmosphere of genteel elegance and decay.
- Areas of the most serious urban decay are to receive funds for new building and redevelopment schemes.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Decaying and staying fresh
- best-before date
- biodegradable
- biodegrade
- compostable
- decompose
- go off
- keep
- molder
- moulder
- perishable
- pull date
- putrefaction
- putrefy
- putrid
- rack
- rot
- seed
- shrivel
- spoil
- wormy
See more results »