Meaning of 'decay'

noun

the organic phenomenon of rotting

Synonyms: decomposition

noun

a gradual decrease

Synonyms: decline

noun

the process of gradually becoming inferior

noun

the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation

Synonyms: disintegration

noun

an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying

Example: "the corpse was in an advanced state of decay"

verb

fall into decay or ruin

Example: "The unoccupied house started to decay"

Synonyms: crumble dilapidate

verb

lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current

Synonyms: decompose disintegrate

verb

undergo decay or decomposition

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