putrid

[ pyoo-trid ]

adjective

1. in a state of foul decay or decomposition, as animal or vegetable matter; rotten.
2. of, relating to, or attended by putrefaction.
3. having the odor of decaying flesh.

   Synonyms: fetid

4. thoroughly corrupt, depraved, or evil.

   Synonyms: immoral

5. of very low quality; rotten.

putrid

/ ˈpjuːtrɪd /

adjective

1. (of organic matter) in a state of decomposition, usually giving off a foul smell

   putrid meat

2. morally corrupt or worthless
3. sickening; foul

   a putrid smell

4. informal.
   deficient in quality or value

   a putrid film

Derived Forms

• ˈputridly, adverb
• puˈtridity, noun

Other Words From

• pu·tridi·ty putrid·ness noun
• putrid·ly adverb
• un·putrid adjective
• un·putrid·ly adverb
• un·putrid·ness noun
• unpu·tridi·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of putrid¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin putridus rotten, equivalent to putr ( ēre ) to rot + -idus -id ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of putrid¹

C16: from Latin putridus rotten, from putrēre to be rotten

Example Sentences

The deep maroon skirt of a blooming corpse flower mimics the color of rotting flesh, part of its ploy, along with its putrid “fragrance,” to attract carrion-loving pollinators.

From Los Angeles Times

When the blooms are big enough, they can turn the water fluorescent green and make it smell putrid.

From Los Angeles Times

Alongside the health problems is what she describes as a “putrid dead smell” emanating constantly from the water.

From Los Angeles Times

There was a separate area where older people slept on thin mattresses under floodlights, and a putrid smell hung in the air, he said.

From Seattle Times

In early October, neighbors noticed a putrid smell emanating from a building in the town of Penrose, about two hours south of Denver.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• contaminated
• fetid
• rancid
• rotting