verb

decompose

dee-kuhm-POHZ

Decompose (verb) means to break something down into its separate parts or components. Example: “Chemists decomposed the compound to identify its individual elements.”

verb

To break something down into its separate parts or components.

"Chemists decomposed the compound to identify its individual elements."

"The software decomposes the task into smaller, manageable steps."

To rot or decay, especially through natural biological processes.

"Fallen leaves decompose slowly over the winter, enriching the soil."

"The abandoned fruit had started to decompose in the bowl."

How to use decompose

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo fall apart into pieces or components — either literally (rotting) or in an analytical sense (breaking a problem into parts).

Common pairings

decompose into parts begin to decompose decomposing matter

Word forms

decomposed past tense, decomposes singular

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Chemists _____ the compound to identify its individual elements.

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French décomposer, built from de- plus compose.

Origin: Middle French

Synonyms

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decay rot disintegrate break down degrade deteriorate

Related words

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Rhymes for decompose

rose nose lose dose pose Jose hose Bose close moose whose goose

See all rhymes for decompose →

Frequently asked questions

What does “decompose” mean?

The word “decompose” means to break something down into its separate parts or components. In plain terms, to fall apart into pieces or components — either literally (rotting) or in an analytical sense (breaking a problem into parts).

How do you pronounce “decompose”?

“Decompose” is pronounced dee-kuhm-POHZ (/ˌdikəmˈpoʊz/ in IPA).

How do you use “decompose” in a sentence?

Here is “decompose” used in a sentence: “Chemists decomposed the compound to identify its individual elements.”

What part of speech is “decompose”?

“Decompose” is a verb.

Where does the word “decompose” come from?

The word “decompose” comes from Middle French. Borrowed from Middle French décomposer, built from de- plus compose.

How many meanings does “decompose” have?

“Decompose” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to break something down into its separate parts or components.

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