decomposition

noun

the organic phenomenon of rotting

(biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action

(chemistry) separation of a substance into two or more substances that may differ from each other and from the original substance

in a decomposed state

the analysis of a vector field

Roots

dede- · Latin · reverse, undo cumcom- · Latin · together ponere-pos · Latin · place, put

Synonyms for decomposition

putrefactionn decayn disintegrationn putridityn biodegradationn putridnessn putrescencen rottennessn spoilagen rancidnessn

Synonyms & related words for decomposition

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of decomposition — including putrefaction, decay, disintegration, putridity, biodegradation, putridness. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to decomposition

Explore words related to decomposition — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include rotting, decomposing, photodecomposition, decomposes, decomposed, saprogenic, saprogenicity, decomposability. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for decomposition

Common synonyms for decomposition include putrefaction, decay, disintegration, putridity, biodegradation, putridness, putrescence, rottenness — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does decomposition come from?

The word decomposition breaks down into 3 roots of Latin origin: de-, from Latin de (“reverse, undo”); com, from Latin cum (“together”); and -pos, from Latin ponere (“place, put”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.