Decompose Meaning
/ˌdiːkəmˈpəʊz/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo separate or break down (something) into its components.
verbTo rot, decay or putrefy.
Sentence Examples
Rocks take time to decompose, especially quartz and feldspar.
Sami used some chemicals to get Layla's body to decompose quicker.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
Leaves left on the forest floor will gradually ____ over time.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Rocks take time to ____, especially quartz and feldspar.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Middle French décomposer. Equivalent to de- + compose.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Nor had the post mortem on Newson's body revealed any illness or other physical condition that might have prevented him from applying the brake, although after four days in the oven-like heat of the wreckage, the body was so badly decomposed as to make any reliable post mortem results unlikely."
— 2025 February 19, Mike Lewis, “Tragedy at Moorgate”, in RAIL, number 1029, page 59, about the Moorgate tube crash:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Leaves left on the forest floor will gradually ____ over time.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Rocks take time to ____, especially quartz and feldspar.