the state or process of rotting or decomposition:hardwood is more resistant to decay than softwoodtooth decay
rotten matter or tissue:fluoride heals small spots of decay
structural or physical deterioration:the old barn rapidly fell into decay
the process of declining in quality, power, or vigour:the problems of urban decay
Physics the change of a radioactive substance, particle, etc. into another by the emission of radiation:the gas radon is produced by the decay of uranium in rocks and soil [count noun]:he developed a detector for decays of carbon-14
technical gradual decrease in the magnitude of a physical quantity:the required time constant for current decay is 1 ms
ზმნა
Universal
(of organic matter) rot or decompose through the action of bacteria and fungi:the body had begun to decay (as adjective decayed)decayed animal and plant matter (as adjective decaying)the odour of decaying fish
[with object] cause to rot or decompose:the fungus will decay soft timber
fall into disrepair; deteriorate:facilities decay when money is not spent on refurbishment
decline in quality, power, or vigour:the moral authority of the party was decaying
Physics (of a radioactive substance, particle, etc.) undergo change to a different form by emitting radiation:the trapped radiocarbon begins to decay at a known ratethe W-particle then decays into an electron and a neutrino
technical (of a physical quantity) undergo a gradual decrease:the time taken for the current to decay to zero
