decompose

[ dee-kuhm-pohz ]

verb (used with object)

, de·com·posed, de·com·pos·ing.

1. to separate or resolve into constituent parts or elements; disintegrate:

   The bacteria decomposed the milk into its solid and liquid elements.

   Synonyms: analyze, fractionate, distill

verb (used without object)

, de·com·posed, de·com·pos·ing.

1. to rot; putrefy:

   The egg began to decompose after a day in the sun.

decompose

/ ˌdiːkəmˈpəʊz; ˌdiːkɒmpəˈzɪʃən /

verb

1. to break down (organic matter) or (of organic matter) to be broken down physically and chemically by bacterial or fungal action; rot
2. chem to break down or cause to break down into simpler chemical compounds
3. to break up or separate into constituent parts
4. tr maths to express in terms of a number of independent simpler components, as a set as a canonical union of disjoint subsets, or a vector into orthogonal components

Derived Forms

• ˌdecomˌposaˈbility, noun
• decomposition, noun
• ˌdecomˈposable, adjective

Other Words From

• decom·posa·ble adjective
• decom·posa·bili·ty noun
• unde·com·posa·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of decompose¹

1745–55; < French décomposer, equivalent to dé- dis- ¹ + composer to compose

Synonym Study

See decay.

Example Sentences

"The stench of decomposing bodies has left the volunteers traumatised," he said.

From BBC

The decomposing body of a man was discovered early Monday between two concrete pillars along the 101 Freeway, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

Following Ms Michalski's disappearance, the man made a series of online searches - including "what does a dead body smell like after it decomposes?"

From BBC

In an unpublished transcript for a Time article, Carson "told of having to bring up the decomposing bodies of felled soldiers."

From Salon

But by the time Agatha Harkness’ body instantaneously rots and decomposes into a bed of flowers in shades of her signature purple, her death inspires something closer to sadness rather than cheer.

From Salon

Related Words

• break down
• decay
• disintegrate
• dissolve
• fall apart
• molder