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Definition of putrefaction

putrefaction

/ˌpjuː.trɪˈfæk.ʃən/
pu · tre · fac · tion
Plural:putrefactions
•
Adjective:putrefactive
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putrefaction Lexical Profile

putrefaction Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The biological process of decay or rotting in a body or other organic matter, typically accompanied by a foul odor and caused by bacterial or fungal action.

Example

"Early refrigeration techniques were developed to slow the putrefaction of perishable foods during long-distance transport."

2

Severe moral, social, or political corruption and degeneration.

Example

"The historian argued that the empire collapsed from internal putrefaction long before foreign armies breached its borders."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for putrefaction

• Nearby Words

putdown
putin
putout
putrefaction
putrefy
putrid
putridly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Old French from Late Latin putrefactionem, a noun of action from the verb putrefacere ('to make rotten'), formed from putrere ('to be rotten') and facere ('to make').

Cite this Entry

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