B2nounformalscienceenvironment
US/ˌdiː.kɑːm.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/
UK/ˌdiː.kɒm.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/
the natural process in which dead plants, animals or food slowly break down
In context
Heat and moisture speed up the decomposition of fallen leaves.
Plastic bags can take hundreds of years to reach full decomposition.
Farmers use the decomposition of food waste to make compost.
Words that go with decomposition
noun + preposition
- decomposition ofBacteria help the decomposition of organic matter.
- stage of decompositionScientists studied each stage of decomposition.
adjective + noun
- rapid decompositionHot weather causes rapid decomposition of meat.
- slow decompositionThe slow decomposition of plastic harms sea life.
- natural decompositionNatural decomposition returns nutrients to the soil.