decay
/dɪkˈeɪ/
Explore definitions, synonyms, and language insights of decay
Definitions
Noun
the process of gradually becoming inferior
Noun
a gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current
Noun
the organic phenomenon of rotting
Noun
an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying; "the corpse was in an advanced state of decay"; "the house had fallen into a serious state of decay and disrepair"
Noun
the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation
Verb
lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current; "the particles disintegrated during the nuclear fission process"
Verb
fall into decay or ruin; "The unoccupied house started to decay"
Verb
undergo decay or decomposition; "The body started to decay and needed to be cremated"
Synonyms
More General Terms
action
activity
change
change integrity
decrease
decrement
natural action
natural process
nuclear reaction
organic phenomenon
unsoundness
More Specific Terms
alpha decay
beta decay
break
bust
caries
cavity
corrode
corruption
decompose
decomposition
deliquesce
dental caries
deteriorate
deterioration
dilapidation
disintegration
droop
eat at
erode
exponential decay
exponential return
fall apart
gnaw
gnaw at
go bad
impairment
molder
moulder
putrefaction
putrefy
rancidity
rot
rotting
ruin
rust
spoil
spoilage
spoiling
tooth decay
wear
wear away
wear out
weather
wilt