What Is Decay? Definition And Usage Of This Term

WHAT IS DECAY – In this topic, we are going to know and learn the definition of this term and how is this term used in sentences.

Definition

The Oxford Dictionary defines the term as the following:

(of organic matter) rot or decompose through the action of bacteria and fungi.
cause to rot or decompose.
decline in quality, power, or vigor.
the state or process of rotting or decomposition.
rotten matter or tissue.
structural or physical deterioration.
the process of declining in quality, power, or vigor.
the change of a radioactive substance, particle, etc. into another by the emission of radiation.

Meanwhile, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines this term as the following:

to undergo decomposition
to decline in health, strength, or vigor
to fall into ruin
to decline from a sound or prosperous condition
to decrease usually gradually in size, quantity, activity, or force
aerobic decomposition of proteins chiefly by bacteria
gradual decline in strength, soundness, or prosperity or in degree of excellence or perfection

Synonyms

Here are some of the following synonyms:

Etymology

It is a late Middle English term which is from Old French decair, via Latin decidere , which means ‘fall down or off‘.

Examples

Here are some examples of the usage of this term:

Some species rapidly change colour, and cause the decay of any others with which they come in contact.
With the decay of her mining industries, Ouro Preto had become merely the political centre of the state.
The loss to Spain was enormous, and from this act of the Dominican the commercial decay of Spain dates.
From the alighting board, instead of the former spirituous fragrant smell of honey and venom, and the warm whiffs of crowded life, comes an odor of emptiness and decay mingling with the smell of honey.