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Translate files Decay
/dɪˈkeɪ/
Meaning & Definition
noun
The process of decomposing or rotting.
The decay of organic matter enriches the soil.
A decline in quality, quantity, or strength.
The decay of the old building was evident as the walls crumbled.
The gradual reduction in the number of radioactive atoms in a sample.
Radioactive decay is measured in half-lives.
verb
To decompose or rot.
The leaves will decay over the winter months.
To decline in quality, quantity, or strength.
The town began to decay after the factory closed.
Etymology
Middle English: from Old French decaïr, from de- ‘down’ + cair ‘to fall’.
Common Phrases and Expressions
to decay away
to gradually diminish or disappear.
natural decay
the process by which organic matter breaks down naturally.
cultural decay
the decline of cultural norms or standards in a society.
Related Words
decomposition
The process of breaking down organic matter.
decline
A gradual and continuous loss of strength, value, or quality.
deterioration
The process of becoming progressively worse.
Slang Meanings
To fall apart or go badly.
That project is decaying fast.
To be in a state of ruin or neglect.
The old mall is just decaying now, nobody goes there.