Pronunciation: [dˌiːkəmpˈə͡ʊz] (IPA) 
The word "decompose" is spelled as /diːkəmˈpoʊz/. The first syllable is "dee" (long e) followed by a short "kuh" sound, making "di" (/di/). The second syllable is pronounced as "kum" (/kəm/), followed by the long "po" (/poʊ/) sound and ends with the "z" (/z/) sound. The word means to break down into simpler substances. The word comes from the Latin word "decomponere" which means to unfasten or undo.
Decompose is a verb that refers to the process of breaking down or disintegrating into simpler substances. It is commonly used in reference to organic matter, such as plants and animals, as well as chemical compounds. In this process, the original substance or compound undergoes a transformation into its constituent parts or elements.
When it comes to organic matter, decomposition occurs through the action of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which feed on the material and release enzymes that help break it down. This natural process is an essential part of the nutrient cycle in ecosystems, as it returns essential elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus back to the soil. During decomposition, organic matter goes through various stages, starting with the maceration of tissues and culminating in the production of simpler molecules like water, carbon dioxide, and organic acids.
In the realm of chemistry, decomposition refers to the breaking down of a compound into its constituent elements or simpler compounds through chemical reactions. These reactions can be induced by heat, light, or the addition of other substances. For instance, when hydrogen peroxide decomposes, it separates into water and oxygen gas.
Overall, decompose describes the process of breakdown and transformation, both in the context of organic matter through natural biological processes, and in chemistry through chemical reactions. This term is widely used to explain the dynamics and transformations that occur in nature and in chemical systems.
To separate the constituent parts of a body; to rot or decay; to resolve into original elements.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "decompose" is derived from the Latin term "decomponere", which is a combination of the prefix "de" (meaning "down" or "apart") and the verb "componere" (meaning "to put together, arrange"). Therefore, "decompose" essentially means to break down or separate something that was initially put together or arranged.
