decay

  • verb 1 rot through the action of bacteria and fungi. 2 decline in quality or vigour. 3 Physics (of a radioactive substance, particle, etc.) undergo change to a different form by emitting radiation.

  • noun 1 the state or process of decaying. 2 rotten matter or tissue.

  — ORIGIN Old French decair, from Latin decidere ‘fall down or off’.

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