decomposed

[ dee-kuhm-pohzd ]

adjective

1. having undergone decomposition.
2. (of a feather) having the barbs separate, hanging loosely, and not interconnected by barbules.

Other Words From

• unde·com·posed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of decomposed¹

First recorded in 1840–50; decompose + -ed ²

Example Sentences

Officials said the body was “decomposed,” but could not specify how long the person had been dead.

From Los Angeles Times

To be more fire resistant, the Hinches also removed trees and wood bark mulch near the house and installed decomposed granite instead.

From Los Angeles Times

Investigators say Herrling and others took over Wilding’s property while his body decomposed inside.

From Los Angeles Times

Hamas fighters killed by Israeli soldiers as they fought their way into the kibbutz still lay on the neat lawns, turning black as they decomposed in the strong Mediterranean sun.

From BBC

“The number one cause of death is undetermined. With very decomposed remains, it’s very difficult to tell how the person died,” Hess says.

From Salon

Related Words

• corrupt
• disgusting
• moldy
• noxious
• overripe
• putrid
• rancid
• rotting
• sour
• spoiled
• stale