First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
putrefaction
noun pu·tre·fac·tion \ˌpyü-trə-ˈfak-shən\
: the process or result of decaying
Full Definition of PUTREFACTION
1
: the decomposition of organic matter; especially : the typically anaerobic splitting of proteins by bacteria and fungi with the formation of foul-smelling incompletely oxidized products
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Origin of PUTREFACTION
Middle English putrefaccion, from Late Latin putrefaction-, putrefactio, from Latin putrefacere
Related to PUTREFACTION
- Synonyms
- breakdown, decay, decomposition, festering, corruption, putrescence, rot, spoilage
Other Biochemistry Terms
Rhymes with PUTREFACTION
abreaction, benefaction, chain reaction, common fraction, complex fraction, counteraction, dark reaction, direct action, interaction, liquefaction, malefaction, overaction, petrifaction, police action, proper fraction, rarefaction, retroaction, satisfaction, simple fraction, single-action, stupefaction, tumefaction
Medical Dictionary
putrefaction
noun pu·tre·fac·tion \ˌpyü-trə-ˈfak-shən\
Medical Definition of PUTREFACTION
1
: the decomposition of organic matter; especially : the typically anaerobic splitting of proteins by bacteria and fungi with the formation of foul-smelling incompletely oxidized products
2
: the state of being putrefied
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