decompose

CEFRB2

/ˌdiːkəmˈpəʊz/

verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To slowly break down into smaller parts or simpler substances.

  2. 02

    verb

    Extra detail

    To rot, decay or putrefy.

Examples

  • Rocks take time to decompose, especially quartz and feldspar.

  • Sami used some chemicals to get Layla's body to decompose quicker.

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
3
Parts of speech
1
Citations
1
Synonyms
3

Also pronounced

  • /ˌdikəmˈpoʊz/

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meaning

  1. To separate or break down (something) into its components.

More examples

In context

  • Our team decomposed this task into several subtasks that could be successfully distributed.

  • Plastics can take centuries to decompose.

  • Various fungi can decompose wood.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

Leaves left on the forest floor will gradually blank over time.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

Borrowed from Middle French décomposer. Equivalent to de- + compose.