Dictionary definition · decay
noun
- the process of gradually becoming inferior
- a gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current
- the organic phenomenon of rotting
- an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying"the corpse was in an advanced state of decay"
- the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation
verb
- lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current"the particles disintegrated during the nuclear fission process"
- fall into decay or ruin"The unoccupied house started to decay"
- undergo decay or decomposition"The body started to decay and needed to be cremated"
Similar words
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).