decay
decay /dɪˈkeɪ/
noun
-
(
)
A gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current
(
decline
, decay
)
a gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current
The decay of organic matter released a foul smell in the forest.
The decay of organic matter released a foul smell in the forest.
-
()
The process of gradually becoming inferior
(
decay
)
the process of gradually becoming inferior
-
()
The organic phenomenon of rotting
(
decomposition
, decay
)
the organic phenomenon of rotting
-
The spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation
(
decay
, disintegration
, radioactive decay
)
the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation
-
An inferior state resulting from the process of decaying
(
decay
)
an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying
The corpse was in an advanced state of decay
the corpse was in an advanced state of decay
The house had fallen into a serious state of decay and disrepair
the house had fallen into a serious state of decay and disrepair
verb
-
()
(physics) lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current
(
decompose
, disintegrate
, decay
)
(physics) lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current
The particles disintegrated during the nuclear fission process
the particles disintegrated during the nuclear fission process
-
()
Fall into decay or ruin
(
crumble
, dilapidate
, decay
)
fall into decay or ruin
The unoccupied house started to decay
The unoccupied house started to decay
-
Undergo decay or decomposition
(
decay
)
undergo decay or decomposition
The body started to decay and needed to be cremated
The body started to decay and needed to be cremated
