decompose

Word parts

de- + compose

Pronunciation

• enPR: dē"kəm-pōz', IPA ^(key): /ˌdiːkəmˈpəʊz/
• SAMPA: /%di:k@m"p@Uz/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form decompose

Third-person singular decomposes

Past tense decomposed

Past participle decomposed

Present participle decomposing

1. If something decomposes it changes back into what it was made from. The things it was made from separate from each other. This things are most often chemicals.
2. If you decompose something you separate the things it was made from. You change it back into those things.

   Water can be decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen.

   Don't try to decompose my thoughts into other motives.

3. If something decomposes it rots.

Synonyms

• rot
• decay
• spoil

Related words

• decomposition