putrefaction
8 synonyms for putrefaction, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The process by which bacteria and fungi break down proteins without oxygen, producing a foul smell as matter rots.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
First attested between 1350 and 1400 from Middle English putrefaccioun, from Old French putrefaccïon, from Latin putrefactiō, from putrefactus, perfect passive participle of putrefaciō (“become rotten”)
Full origin of putrefaction →