decay
decay Lexical Profile
decay Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The state or process of rotting or decomposing through the action of bacteria and fungi.
"Regular brushing and flossing help prevent tooth decay."
A gradual decline in quality, strength, power, or prosperity; structural or societal deterioration.
"The city council launched a major initiative to reverse decades of urban decay."
The spontaneous transformation of an unstable atomic nucleus or subatomic particle into a lighter configuration with the emission of radiation.
"Scientists use the predictable rate of radioactive decay to determine the age of ancient rocks."
• verb
To rot or decompose through the action of bacteria and fungi, or to cause organic matter to break down in this way.
"Fallen leaves slowly decay on the forest floor, enriching the soil with nutrients."
To decline gradually in quality, vigor, power, or structural integrity.
"Without regular maintenance, the historic stone bridge began to decay."
To undergo spontaneous transformation into one or more different nuclei or subatomic particles with the emission of radiation (of an unstable atomic nucleus or particle).
"Carbon-14 gradually decays into nitrogen-14 over thousands of years."
• Rhymes for decay
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 15th century from Old Northern French decair ('to fall away'), ultimately from Vulgar Latin decadere, a compound of de- ('down') and cadere ('to fall').