decay, decompose, rot, putrefy, spoil mean to undergo destructive dissolution. decay implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection.

The bacteria live on food particles and produce acid that decays the enamel on your teeth. The flesh on a dead body decays very rapidly. It's sad to watch a beautiful rose wither and decay in such a short …

Decay, decompose, disintegrate, rot imply a deterioration or falling away from a sound condition. Decay implies either entire or partial deterioration by progressive natural changes: Teeth decay.

Decay has wide application but often suggests partial deterioration short of complete destruction: "A decaying dam is an accident waiting to happen" (George Black).

There are 13 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun decay, six of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Nov 23, 2025 · decay (third-person singular simple present decays, present participle decaying, simple past and past participle decayed) (intransitive) To deteriorate, to get worse, to lose strength or …

Definition of decay noun in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

decay, decompose, rot, putrefy, and spoil mean to slowly fall apart and become destroyed by natural processes. decay is the most general of these terms. It often suggests a slow change from a state of …

To cause to decay. n. 1. a. The destruction or decomposition of organic matter as a result of bacterial or fungal action; rot.

To decay means to rot, decompose, break down. Our bodies—anything organic—will decay after death. Broken sidewalks, potholes, graffiti are all signs of urban decay. Tooth decay is something to avoid. …