Noun: putrefaction ,pyoo-tru'fak-shun
- (biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action
"The putrefaction of fallen leaves enriches the soil";
- decomposition, rot, rotting, breakdown, biodegradation
- A state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odour
"The putrefaction of the discarded food attracted flies";
- rot
- Moral perversion; impairment of virtue and moral principles
"Rome had fallen into moral putrefaction";
- corruption, degeneracy, depravation, depravity
Derived forms: putrefactions
Type of: decay, immorality
Encyclopedia: Putrefaction