to decompose
9
5.5
- verb
- /ˌdiːkəmˈpoʊz/
- Specialized
:
descomponer
- An element is a substance that cannot be decomposed into a simpler substance by chemical means.
- decompose organic matter
- decompose organic matter
Examples
-
Composting of wastewater residual is a bio-thermal aerobic process that decomposes the organic portion of the residuals.
Academic text (2002) -
We call transformations like this chemical reactions, and we can use chemical reactions to decompose some pure substances.
-
When you bury this bowl with other garbage, it actually helps the other garbage decompose faster.
-
The manure, a nitrogen source, would help the paper waste decompose and turn into compost.
Academic text (1996) -
In the case of PLLA, the material decomposes and is reabsorbed by the body.
Academic text (2002) -
His gasifier (top) decomposes wood into a synthetic gas that is fed to a standard engine (above).
Academic text (2012) -
When organic waste decompose, it produces nutrient-rich compost for the garden.
-
The scientist explained how bacteria can decompose food waste into useful materials.
-
If left in a landfill, plastics can take hundreds of years to decompose completely.
Synonyms
66
2.7
Separate something into smaller pieces
52
2.8
To break down food in the body so the body can use it
47
2.6
To divide something into smaller parts
36
3.7
To make something separate into smaller parts by a chemical process
29
6.0
Break into smaller parts by losing energy in a physical process, for example in an atom
1
7.4
To split a molecule into atoms or ions
How Decomposed
64
2.4
35
5.8
- Specialized
9
5.5
- Specialized
36
3.7
39
3.7
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word decompose comes from the parts de- meaning 'away' and compose meaning 'to put together'. So to decompose something is to 'take apart' its parts, which fits when scientists break a compound into simpler pieces.