decomposition

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The process of rotting and breaking down, caused by bacteria or fungi.

   The dead animal was in an advanced state of decomposition when we found it.

2. 2
   noun

   The act of breaking something down into smaller parts for analysis.

   The decomposition of the problem into smaller steps made it easier to solve.

3. 3
   noun

   In chemistry, the breaking of a substance into two or more simpler substances.

   Heating the compound caused its decomposition into oxygen and a metal oxide.

From de- + composition.

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