decompose
verb
de·com·pose
ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz 
decomposed; decomposing; decomposes
1
: to separate into constituent parts or elements or into simpler compounds
decompose water by electrolysis
decompose a word into its base and affixes
2
: rot
Synonyms
Examples of decompose in a Sentence
Bacteria and fungi help decompose organic matter.
the smell of decomposing leaves
The compound will decompose in the presence of light.
Recent Examples on the Web
Straw wattles are made from biodegradable materials and can be left in place to decompose over time, while contour logs or large tree branches offer a more natural-looking solution for rustic landscapes.
—
Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024
If done correctly, leaving your leaves on the ground to decompose has environmental benefits, experts say.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 31 Oct. 2024
The justification is that when the leaves fall, they should be left alone to decompose, enriching the soil below.
—Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2024
If done correctly, leaving your leaves on the ground to decompose does have some environmental benefits, experts say.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 12 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decompose 
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Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024
If done correctly, leaving your leaves on the ground to decompose has environmental benefits, experts say.
—Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 31 Oct. 2024
The justification is that when the leaves fall, they should be left alone to decompose, enriching the soil below.
—Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 18 Oct. 2024
If done correctly, leaving your leaves on the ground to decompose does have some environmental benefits, experts say.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 12 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for decompose
Dictionary Entries Near decompose
Cite this Entry
“Decompose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decompose. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
decompose
verb
de·com·pose
ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz
1
: to separate a thing into its parts or into simpler compounds
decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen
2
: to break down through chemical change : rot
Medical Definition
decompose
verb
de·com·pose
ˌdē-kəm-ˈpōz
decomposed; decomposing
: to separate into constituent parts or elements or into simpler compounds
decompose water by electrolysis
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