Noun: decomposition ,dee,kóm-pu'zi-shun
- (biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action
"The decomposition of fallen leaves enriches the soil";
- rot, rotting, putrefaction, breakdown, biodegradation
- The organic phenomenon of rotting
"The decomposition of the animal carcass attracted scavengers";
- decay
- (chemistry) separation of a substance into two or more substances that may differ from each other and from the original substance
"The decomposition reaction of water into hydrogen and oxygen requires electricity"; "The chemical decomposition reaction of water into hydrogen and oxygen requires electricity";
- decomposition reaction, chemical decomposition reaction, breakdown
- Physical deterioration into fragments or powder
"The decomposition of the leaves enriched the soil";
- disintegration
Derived forms: decompositions
Type of: chemical reaction, decay, organic phenomenon, reaction
Encyclopedia: Decomposition