| decompose |
to break down (a substance) into simpler compounds or component elements. [3 definitions] |
| decompose a number |
in mathematics education, to separate a number into its component place values. For example, to decompose the number 231 you would write "200+30+1". |
| decompress |
to reduce pressure or compression on. [3 definitions] |
| decompression |
the act or process of decompressing or being decompressed, as in deep-sea diving. [2 definitions] |
| decompression sickness |
a painful and sometimes fatal condition caused by the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the blood, resulting from returning to atmospheric pressure too quickly from deep water or a compression chamber; aeroembolism; bends. |
| decongestant |
a medical agent that reduces congestion, as in sinuses or nasal passages. |
| deconstruction |
a literary criticism philosophy, introduced in the 1960s, asserting that because words are defined using other words, the meaning of text has no stable reference and therefore cannot have a fixed meaning. [2 definitions] |
| decontaminate |
to clear of impurities or dangerous substances; remove contaminants from. [2 definitions] |
| decontrol |
to eliminate control over (something), esp. government control; deregulate. [2 definitions] |
| décor |
the style, furnishings, or decorative scheme of a room, building, or the like. [2 definitions] |
| decorate |
to make more attractive or interesting by adding ornamental items or designs. [5 definitions] |
| decoration |
an act, process, or technique of decorating. [3 definitions] |
| decorative |
adding to visual attractiveness; ornamental. |
| decorator |
a person who decorates, esp. one whose occupation is designing interior décors. |
| decorous |
proper or formal with respect to behavior, manners, appearance, or the like. |
| decorticate |
to husk, debark, or peel. [2 definitions] |
| decorum |
properness of behavior, manner, appearance, or the like; dignity; propriety. |
| decoupage |
the technique of decorating something with cut-out pictures on paper or other material, covered by a flat finish or varnish. [3 definitions] |
| decoy |
something or someone used to lure, entice, or misdirect, as into danger or a trap, esp. an artificial bird or animal used to lure live birds or animals within gunshot or into a trap. [3 definitions] |
| decrease |
to become less in number, amount, size, strength, or the like; diminish. [4 definitions] |
| decree |
an official and authoritative order or decision, esp. by a ruler or government. [3 definitions] |