Meaning & Definition of Decay in English
English⟶
Decay
/dɪke/
noun
1. The process of gradually becoming inferior
synonym:
- decay
2. A gradual decrease
- As of stored charge or current
synonym:
- decay,
- decline
3. The organic phenomenon of rotting
synonym:
- decay,
- decomposition
4. 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"
synonym:
- decay
5. The spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation
synonym:
- decay,
- radioactive decay,
- disintegration
verb
1. Lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current
- "The particles disintegrated during the nuclear fission process"
synonym:
- disintegrate,
- decay,
- decompose
2. Fall into decay or ruin
- "The unoccupied house started to decay"
synonym:
- decay,
- crumble,
- dilapidate
3. Undergo decay or decomposition
- "The body started to decay and needed to be cremated"
synonym:
- decay
Examples of using
We have to pick those apples right now, otherwise they'll decay.
The apple has begun to decay.
Fruits tend to decay soon.