decay | English to English Dictionary

English to English

decay

(d/I/'k/eI/ )

the process of gradually becoming inferior(noun.process)

source: wordnet30
a gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current(noun.process)

Synonym:
decline

source: wordnet30
the organic phenomenon of rotting(noun.phenomenon)

Synonym:
decomposition

source: wordnet30
an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying(noun.state)

Example:
The corpse was in an advanced state of decay.
The house had fallen into a serious state of decay and disrepair.

source: wordnet30
the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation(noun.process)

Synonym:
disintegration, radioactive decay

source: wordnet30
Gradual failure of health, strength, soundness, prosperity, or of any species of excellence or perfection; tendency toward dissolution or extinction; corruption; rottenness; decline; deterioration; as, the decay of the body; the decay of virtue; the decay of the Roman empire; a castle in decay.(noun)

source: webster1913

lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current(verb.change)

Synonym:
decompose, disintegrate

source: wordnet30
fall into decay or ruin(verb.change)

Example:
The unoccupied house started to decay.

Synonym:
crumble, dilapidate

source: wordnet30
undergo decay or decomposition(verb.change)

Example:
The body started to decay and needed to be cremated.

source: wordnet30
To pass gradually from a sound, prosperous, or perfect state, to one of imperfection, adversity, or dissolution; to waste away; to decline; to fail; to become weak, corrupt, or disintegrated; to rot; to perish; as, a tree decays; fortunes decay; hopes decay.(verb)

source: webster1913
To cause to decay; to impair.(verb)

source: webster1913