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Definition of decomposition

decomposition

/ˌdiːkɑːmpəˈzɪʃən/
de · com · po · si · tion
Plural:decompositions
•
Adjective:decompositional
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decomposition Lexical Profile

decomposition Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The biological and chemical process by which dead organic matter is broken down into simpler substances, such as carbon dioxide, water, and mineral nutrients; rot or decay.

Example

"Fungi and bacteria play a vital ecological role in the decomposition of fallen leaves on the forest floor."

2

The separation or breakdown of a chemical compound, physical substance, or complex system (such as a mathematical expression or computer problem) into its constituent elements or simpler parts.

Example

"Through thermal decomposition, calcium carbonate breaks down into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide when heated."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for decomposition

• Nearby Words

decomplex
decompose
decomposer
decomposition
decompress
decompression
decongest

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from French décomposition, formed from the prefix dé- ('undo' or 'reverse') and composition, ultimately tracing back to Latin componere ('to put together').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Decomposition. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/decomposition
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