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decomposition

   Also found in: Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.10 sec.
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.

de·compo·sition·al adj.

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.
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.decomposition - the analysis of a vector field
vector algebra - the part of algebra that deals with the theory of vectors and vector spaces
2.decomposition - in a decomposed state
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 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.decompositiondecomposition - (biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action
biological science, biology - the science that studies living organisms
decay - the process of gradually becoming inferior
5.decomposition - the organic phenomenon of rotting
organic phenomenon - (biology) a natural phenomenon involving living plants and animals

decomposition
Translations
decomposition [diːkɔmpəˈzɪʃən] ndescomposición f
decomposition [diːkɔmpəˈzɪʃən] ndécomposition f
decomposition [diːkɔmpəˈzɪʃən] decompose nZersetzung f
decomposition [diːkɔmpəˈzɪʃən] ndecomposizione f


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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
Stopcocks, of which one has an orifice twice the size of the other, communicate between these receptacles and a fourth one, which is called the mixture reservoir, since in it the two gases obtained by the decomposition of the water do really commingle.
There was but little decomposition, a fact attributed to some preservative property in the mineral-bearing soil.
Glittering particles of mica were visible in the earth about it--vestiges of its decomposition.
 
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