decompose

Verb
Synonyms: break upbreak downdisintegratedecayrotmoldermoulder

WordNet 3.0

Verb (3)

  1. separate (substances) into constituent elements or partsSynonyms: break upbreak down
  2. lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current“the particles disintegrated during the nuclear fission process”Synonyms: disintegratedecay
  3. break down“The bodies decomposed in the heat”Synonyms: rotmoldermoulder
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Decompose \De`com*pose"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Decomposed; p. pr. & vb. n. Decomposing.] [Cf. F. d['e]composer. Cf. Discompose.] To separate the constituent parts of; to resolve into original elements; to set free from previously existing forms of chemical combination; to bring to dissolution; to rot or decay. [1913 Webster]
Decompose \De`com*pose"\, v. i. To become resolved or returned from existing combinations; to undergo dissolution; to decay; to rot. [1913 Webster]
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