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Definition of decay



Overview of noun decay

The noun decay has 5 senses? (first 3 from tagged texts)
1. (2) decay

(the process of gradually becoming inferior)

2. (2) decay, decline

(a gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current)

3. (1) decay, decomposition

(the organic phenomenon of rotting)

4. decay

(an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying; "the corpse was in an advanced state of decay"; "the house had fallen into a serious state of decay and disrepair")

5. decay, radioactive decay, disintegration

(the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation)


Overview of verb decay

The verb decay has 3 senses? (first 2 from tagged texts)
1. (3) disintegrate, decay, decompose

(lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current; "the particles disintegrated during the nuclear fission process")

2. (2) decay, crumble, dilapidate

(fall into decay or ruin; "The unoccupied house started to decay")

3. decay

(undergo decay or decomposition; "The body started to decay and needed to be cremated")