DECOMPOSITION

decomposition, vector decomposition

(noun) the analysis of a vector field

decay, decomposition

(noun) the organic phenomenon of rotting

decomposition, rot, rotting, putrefaction, breakdown

(noun) (biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action

decomposition, decomposition reaction, chemical decomposition reaction

(noun) (chemistry) separation of a substance into two or more substances that may differ from each other and from the original substance

decomposition, disintegration

(noun) in a decomposed state

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

decomposition (countable and uncountable, plural decompositions)

A biological process through which organic material is reduced to e.g. compost.

The act of taking something apart, e.g. for analysis.

The splitting (of e.g. a matrix, an atom, or a compound) into constituent parts.

Source: Wiktionary


De*com`po*si"tion, n. Etym: [Pref. de- (in sense 3 intensive) + composition: cf. F. décomposition. Cf. Decomposition.]

1. The act or process of resolving the constituent parts of a compound body or substance into its elementary parts; separation into constituent part; analysis; the decay or dissolution consequent on the removal or alteration of some of the ingredients of a compound; disintegration; as, the decomposition of wood, rocks, etc.

2. The state of being reduced into original elements.

3. Repeated composition; a combination of compounds. [Obs.] Decomposition of forces. Same as Resolution of forces, under Resolution.

– Decomposition of light, the division of light into the prismatic colors.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

29 June 2025

ADMIRABLE

(adjective) deserving of the highest esteem or admiration; “an estimable young professor”; “trains ran with admirable precision”; “his taste was impeccable, his health admirable”


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Coffee Trivia

Coffee dates back to the 9th century. Goat herders in Ethiopia noticed their goats seem to be “dancing” after eating berries from a particular shrub. They reported it to the local monastery, and a monk made a drink out of it. The monk found out he felt energized and kept him awake at night. That’s how the first coffee drink was born.

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