decomposition
dee-kom-puh-ZIH-shuhn
Decomposition (noun) means the natural biological breakdown of organic matter, such as into compost. Example: “Decomposition of the leaf litter took several months.”
noun
1
The natural biological breakdown of organic matter, such as into compost.
"Decomposition of the leaf litter took several months."
2
The act of breaking something down into its parts for closer study.
"The report begins with a decomposition of the company's revenue streams."
3
The splitting of something (a matrix, molecule, or number) into its basic constituent parts, especially in mathematics or science.
"Engineers used matrix decomposition to simplify the calculation."
How to use decomposition
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe breaking-down of something — organic rot, or, more abstractly, splitting a thing into its parts for analysis.
Common pairings
stage of decomposition
decomposition of a matrix
rate of decomposition
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Word forms
- Plural
- decompositions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ of the leaf litter took several months.
Etymology
From de- + composition, mirroring French décomposition.
Synonyms
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decay
rot
rotting
disintegration
putrefaction
vector decomposition
decomposition reaction
chemical decomposition reaction
breakdown
Related words
Rhymes for decomposition
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for decomposition →
Frequently asked questions
What does “decomposition” mean?
The word “decomposition” means the natural biological breakdown of organic matter, such as into compost. In plain terms, the breaking-down of something — organic rot, or, more abstractly, splitting a thing into its parts for analysis.
How do you pronounce “decomposition”?
“Decomposition” is pronounced dee-kom-puh-ZIH-shuhn (/diːˌkɒmpəˈzɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “decomposition” in a sentence?
Here is “decomposition” used in a sentence: “Decomposition of the leaf litter took several months.”
What part of speech is “decomposition”?
“Decomposition” is a noun.
Where does the word “decomposition” come from?
The word “decomposition” comes from French. From de- + composition, mirroring French décomposition.
Is “decomposition” a common word?
“Decomposition” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “decomposition” have?
“Decomposition” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the natural biological breakdown of organic matter, such as into compost.
