decay

Definitions of decay in various dictionaries:

noun - the process of gradually becoming inferior

noun - a gradual decrease

noun - the organic phenomenon of rotting

noun - an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying

noun - the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation

verb - lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current

verb - fall into decay or ruin

verb - undergo decay or decomposition

To break down into component parts; rot.

To disintegrate or diminish by radioactive decay.

To decrease gradually in magnitude.

To decrease in orbit.

To fall into ruin: a civilization that had begun to decay.

To decline in health or vigor; waste away.

To cause to decay.

The destruction or decomposition of organic matter as a result of bacterial or fungal action; rot.

Rotted matter.

Radioactive decay.

The decrease in orbital altitude of an artificial satellite as a result of conditions such as atmospheric drag.

A gradual deterioration to an inferior state: tooth decay; urban decay.

To molder is to crumble to dust: Her grandmother’s shawl had moldered away in the trunk.