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1. Dictionary

   decay

   /dɪˈkeɪ/

   verb

   • 1. (of organic matter) rot or decompose through the action of bacteria and fungi: "the body had begun to decay" Similar decomposerotputrefygo badgo offspoilfesterperishdeterioratedegradebreak downbreak upmouldershrivelshrivel upwithertechnical:mortifynecrotizesphacelatearchaic:corrupt
   • ▪ cause to rot or decompose: "the fungus will decay soft timber"
   • ▪ fall into disrepair; deteriorate: "facilities decay when money is not spent on refurbishment" Similar deterioratedegeneratedeclinego downhillslumpslipslidego to rack and ruingo to seedrun to seedworsencrumbledisintegratefall to piecescome apart at the seamsfall into disrepairbecome dilapidatedfailwaneebbdwindlecollapseinformal:go to potgo to the dogshit the skidsgo down the tubesgo down the toiletgo to the packOpposite improve
   • ▪ decline in quality, power, or vigour: "the moral authority of the party was decaying"
   • ▪ (of a radioactive substance, particle, etc.) undergo change to a different form by emitting radiation: "the trapped radiocarbon begins to decay at a known rate"
   • ▪ (of a physical quantity) undergo a gradual decrease: "the time taken for the current to decay to zero"

   noun

   • 1. the state or process of rotting or decomposition: "hardwood is more resistant to decay than softwood" Similar decompositionrottinggoing badputrefactionputrescenceputridityfesteringspoilageperishingwitheringshrivellingrotmouldmildewfungusarchaic:corruptionrotrottingcorrosioncorrodingdecompositioncariescavitiesholesrare:cariosity
   • ▪ rotten matter or tissue: "fluoride heals small spots of decay"
   • ▪ structural or physical deterioration: "the old barn rapidly fell into decay" Similar deteriorationdegenerationdebasementdegradationdeclineslippingwaningebbshrinkingwitheringweakeningatrophycrumblingdisintegrationcollapselapsefallfailureformal:devolutiondated:decadenceOpposite improvement
   • ▪ the process of declining in quality, power, or vigour: "the problems of urban decay"
   • ▪ the change of a radioactive substance, particle, etc. into another by the emission of radiation: "the gas radon is produced by the decay of uranium in rocks and soil"
   • ▪ gradual decrease in the magnitude of a physical quantity: "the required time constant for current decay is 1 ms"

   Word Origin late Middle English: from Old French decair, based on Latin decidere ‘fall down or off’, from de- ‘from’ + cadere ‘fall’.

   Scrabble Points: 11

   • D

     2

   • E

     1

   • C

     3

   • A

     1

   • Y

     4

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2. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishDECAY | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   Learn the meaning of decay as a verb and a noun, with examples of usage and pronunciation. Find out how decay is used in physics, biology, and other fields, and see translations in different languages.

   • English (US)

     The bacteria live on food particles and produce acid that...

   • Znaczenie Decay, Definicja W Cambridge English Dictionary

     DECAY definicja: 1. to become gradually damaged, worse, or...

   • Decay: German Translation

     decay translate: verderben, der Verfall. Learn more in the...

   • Decay: Polish Translation

     DECAY translate: gnić, rozkładać się, gnić, psuć się,...

   • Decay: Korean Translation

     DECAY translate: 부패하다. Learn more in the Cambridge...

   • Decay: Italian Translation

     DECAY translate: decomporsi, putrefarsi, deteriorare;...

3. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › decayDecay Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › decay

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   Learn the various meanings and uses of the word decay as a verb and a noun, with synonyms, examples, and word history. Find out how decay relates to decomposition, radioactivity, morality, and more.

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5. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryDECAY | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

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   Learn the meaning of decay as a verb and a noun, with examples of usage and related words. Find out how decay is used in physics, dentistry, and other fields.

6. www.dictionary.com › browse › decayDECAY Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › decay

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   Decay is the process of deterioration, decomposition, or transformation of something. It can refer to organic matter, radioactive nuclei, or charged particles. Learn more about the meaning, usage, and history of decay.

7. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-englishMeaning of decay – Learner’s Dictionary - Cambridge Dictionary

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   Learn the meaning of decay as a verb and a noun, and see how to use it in sentences. Find out the translations of decay in different languages, such as Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, and more.

8. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishDECAY definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

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   Learn the meaning of decay as a verb and a noun, and see how it is used in different contexts. Find synonyms, pronunciation, and related words for decay in British and American English.

9. www.britannica.com › dictionary › decayDecay Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

   www.britannica.com › dictionary › decay

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   Learn the meaning of decay as a verb and a noun, with examples and synonyms. Decay can refer to the process of being destroyed by natural processes, losing strength or health, or going from bad to worse.