decompose

verb de·com·pose \ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz\

: to cause something (such as dead plants and the bodies of dead animals) to be slowly destroyed and broken down by natural processes, chemicals, etc.

: to cause something (such as a chemical) to be separated into smaller or simpler parts

Full Definition of DECOMPOSE

transitive verb

: to separate into constituent parts or elements or into simpler compounds <decompose water by electrolysis> <decompose a word into its base and affixes>

: rot

intransitive verb

: to break up into constituent parts by or as if by a chemical process : decay, rot <fruit decomposes>

— de·com·pos·abil·i·ty \-ˌpō-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— de·com·pos·able \-ˈpō-zə-bəl\ adjective

— de·com·po·si·tion \(ˌ)dē-ˌkäm-pə-ˈzi-shən\ noun

See decompose defined for English-language learners

See decompose defined for kids

Origin of DECOMPOSE

French décomposer, from dé- de + composer to compose

First Known Use: 1718

Related to DECOMPOSE

Synonyms: break down, corrupt, decay, disintegrate, fester, foul, mold, molder, perish [chiefly British], putrefy, rot, spoil

Synonym Discussion of DECOMPOSE

decay, decompose, rot, putrefy, spoil mean to undergo destructive dissolution. decay implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection <a decaying mansion>. decompose stresses a breaking down by chemical change and when applied to organic matter a corruption <the strong odor of decomposing vegetation>. rot is a close synonym of decompose and often connotes foulness <fruit was left to rot in warehouses>. putrefy implies the rotting of animal matter and offensiveness to sight and smell <corpses putrefying on the battlefield>. spoil applies chiefly to the decomposition of foods <keep the ham from spoiling>.

Other Microbiology Terms

pathogen, salmonella, tetanus

DECOMPOSING Defined for Kids

decompose

verb de·com·pose \ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz\

de·com·posedde·com·pos·ing

Definition of DECOMPOSE for Kids

: to break down or be broken down into simpler parts or substances especially by the action of living things (as bacteria and fungi) <Leaves decomposed on the forest floor.>

: to separate a substance into simpler compounds <Water can be decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen.>

Medical Dictionary