decomposition

de·com·po·si·tion  (d-kmp-zshn)

n.

1. The act or result of decomposing; disintegration.

2.

a. Chemistry Separation into constituents by chemical reaction.

b. Biology Breakdown or decay of organic materials.

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de·compo·sition·al adj.

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decomposition  (d-kmp-zshn)

1. The separation of a substance into simpler substances or basic elements. Decomposition can be brought about by exposure to heat, light, or chemical or biological activity.

2. The process of breaking down organic material, such as dead plant or animal tissue, into smaller molecules that are available for use by the organisms of an ecosystem. Decomposition is carried on by bacteria, fungi, protists, worms, and certain other organisms. See more at detritivore.

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	decomposition - the analysis of a vector field vector decomposition vector algebra - the part of algebra that deals with the theory of vectors and vector spaces
	2.	decomposition - in a decomposed state disintegration fragmentation - the disintegration of social norms governing behavior and thought and social relationships decay - an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying; "the corpse was in an advanced state of decay"; "the house had fallen into a serious state of decay and disrepair"
	3.	decomposition - (chemistry) separation of a substance into two or more substances that may differ from each other and from the original substance chemical decomposition reaction, decomposition reaction chemical science, chemistry - the science of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions chemical reaction, reaction - (chemistry) a process in which one or more substances are changed into others; "there was a chemical reaction of the lime with the ground water" electrolysis - (chemistry) a chemical decomposition reaction produced by passing an electric current through a solution containing ions
	4.	decomposition - (biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action rotting, putrefaction, rot biological science, biology - the science that studies living organisms decay - the process of gradually becoming inferior
	5.	decomposition - the organic phenomenon of rotting decay organic phenomenon - (biology) a natural phenomenon involving living plants and animals

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decomposition

noun (Formal)

1. rot, corruption, decay, rotting, perishing, mortification, putrefaction, putrescence, putridity The bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition.

2. breakdown, disintegration, dissolution, atomization a nuclear reactor which gives complete decomposition and no unwanted byproducts

Translations

decomposition [ˌdiːkɒmpəˈzɪʃən] N → descomposición f, putrefacción f

decomposition [ˌdiːkɒmpəˈzɪʃ^ən] n [body, plant] → décomposition f

decomposition

n (Phys: of light) → Zerlegung f; (Chem also) → Abbau m; (= rotting) → Zersetzung f, → Verfaulen nt

decomposition [ˌdiːkɒmpəˈzɪʃ/ən] n → decomposizione f

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decomposition [ˌdiːkɒmpəˈzɪʃ/ən] n → decomposizione f