DECAY Meaning and
Definition
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Decay is a noun or verb that refers to the gradual deterioration or decomposition of an object, substance, or living organism over time. This natural process involves the breaking down or disintegration of materials, leading to a state of decline, weakness, or destruction.
As a verb, "decay" describes the transformative actions of decomposing or rotting, resulting in the loss of physical integrity or strength. It often occurs due to the activity of microorganisms, such as fungi or bacteria, that feed on organic matter. Decay can affect various things, including food, wood, teeth, or even larger structures like buildings.
In a broader sense, decay also refers to the decline or deterioration of something non-tangible, such as morals, values, or institutions. This decay in social or cultural aspects can involve the erosion of traditional behaviors, standards, or beliefs, leading to a state of moral decline or decadence.
As a noun, decay signifies the state or process of decaying. It describes the progressive loss of quality, effectiveness, or vitality. For instance, the decay of a painting refers to its gradual deterioration in color or condition. Similarly, societal decay implies the decline or degradation of social structures, organizations, or values.
Overall, decay encompasses the natural breakdown or degeneration of physical and abstract entities, reflecting the inherent impermanence and transitory nature of life.
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1. The destruction of an organic substance by slow combustion, or gradual oxidation. 2. Putrefaction. 3. To deteriorate, to undergo slow combustion or putrefaction.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• To become less perfect; to fail; to decline; to waste away.
• A gradual failure; decline of fortune; corruption.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DECAY
Etymology of DECAY
The word decay originated from the Old French word decaïr, which was derived from the Latin word decadere. The Latin term decadere is a combination of the prefix de, meaning down or away, and cadere, meaning to fall. Thus, decay originally meant to fall away or to decline.
Idioms with the word DECAY
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fall into decay
The idiom "fall into decay" refers to the gradual deterioration or decline of something, typically a building, infrastructure, or any other object or system, resulting from neglect, lack of maintenance, or the passage of time. It implies a state of decline characterized by decay, disrepair, or a loss of functionality.
Similar spelling words for DECAY
- dec,
- dease,
- delay,
- Dehoyos,
- dec.,
- decays,
- deasy,
- deck,
- deice,
- desai,
- Deja,
- deak,
- decoy,
- des,
- Deas,
- desch,
- deuce,
- decal.
Conjugate verb Decay
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have decayed
you
would have decayed
he/she/it
would have decayed
we
would have decayed
they
would have decayed
I
would have decay
you
would have decay
he/she/it
would have decay
we
would have decay
they
would have decay
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been decaying
you
would have been decaying
he/she/it
would have been decaying
we
would have been decaying
they
would have been decaying
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would decay
you
would decay
he/she/it
would decay
we
would decay
they
would decay
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be decaying
you
would be decaying
he/she/it
would be decaying
we
would be decaying
they
would be decaying
FUTURE
I
will decay
you
will decay
he/she/it
will decay
we
will decay
they
will decay
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be decaying
you
will be decaying
he/she/it
will be decaying
we
will be decaying
they
will be decaying
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have decayed
you
will have decayed
he/she/it
will have decayed
we
will have decayed
they
will have decayed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been decaying
you
will have been decaying
he/she/it
will have been decaying
we
will have been decaying
they
will have been decaying
IMPERATIVE
you
decay
we
let´s decay
to decay
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was decaying
you
were decaying
he/she/it
was decaying
we
were decaying
they
were decaying
PAST PARTICIPLE
decayed
PAST PERFECT
I
had decayed
you
had decayed
he/she/it
had decayed
we
had decayed
they
had decayed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been decaying
you
had been decaying
he/she/it
had been decaying
we
had been decaying
they
had been decaying
PRESENT
I
decay
you
decay
he/she/it
decays
we
decay
they
decay
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am decaying
you
are decaying
he/she/it
is decaying
we
are decaying
they
are decaying
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
decaying
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have decayed
you
have decayed
he/she/it
has decayed
we
have decayed
they
have decayed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been decaying
you
have been decaying
he/she/it
has been decaying
we
have been decaying
they
have been decaying
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
decay
SIMPLE PAST
I
decayed
you
decayed
he/she/it
decayed
we
decayed
they
decayed
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