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decay

de·cay

decay

 
 
pronunciation:
dih keI
parts of speech:
intransitive verb, transitive verb, noun
features:
Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: decays, decaying, decayed
definition 1: to rot or become rotted; decompose.
The floor of the forest is covered with leaves that are decaying.This tooth has decayed and will need to be fixed with a filling.
synonyms:
crumble, decompose, molder, putrefy, rot, spoil
similar words:
corrode, degenerate, deteriorate, dilapidate, disintegrate
definition 2: to lose health, strength, excellence, or the like.
Her health has decayed over the past year.
synonyms:
decline, degenerate, ebb, fail, languish, rot, wane, waste
similar words:
atrophy, perish, ruin, weaken
definition 3: in physics, to decline in radioactivity.
 
part of speech: transitive verb
definition: to cause to rot or decompose.
synonyms:
decompose, molder, putrefy, rot, spoil
similar words:
corrupt, deteriorate, devastate, dilapidate, ruin
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part of speech: noun
definition 1: a process of decline or deterioration.
The old mansion is in decay after years of neglect.
 
synonyms:
corruption, decadence, degeneration, deterioration, rot, ruin, ruination
similar words:
atrophy, collapse, decrepitude
definition 2: the process of rotting or state of decomposition.
Daily brushing helps prevent tooth decay.
synonyms:
corruption, decomposition, dissolution, putrefaction, rot, spoilage
similar words:
corrosion, dry rot, erosion, ruin
definition 3: loss of excellence, health, strength, or the like; state of ruin.
The once strong empire fell into decay.
synonyms:
destruction, downfall, ruin, ruination, weakening
similar words:
corruption, decline, degeneration
definition 4: in physics, the decline of radioactivity by emissions.
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derivation: decayable (adj.)
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  bacteria, fungus
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