Decay
WordNet
noun
(1) The organic phenomenon of rotting
(2) A gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current
(3) The process of gradually becoming inferior
(4) The spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation
(5) 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"
verb
(6) Fall into decay or ruin
"The unoccupied house started to decay"
(7) Lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current
"The particles disintegrated during the nuclear fission process"
(8) Undergo decay or decomposition
"The body started to decay and needed to be cremated"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From < }, restored form of < + ; cf. and .
Noun
- The process or result of being gradually decomposed.
- A deterioration of condition.
Verb
- To deteriorate, to get worse, to lose strength or health, to decline in quality.
- To rot, to go bad.