Decay: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฆท
decay
[ dษชหkeษช ]
tooth
A gradual decline in the strength or health of a tooth, often resulting in cavities or other dental issues.
Synonyms
degeneration, deterioration, rot.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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decay |
The process of something breaking down over time, often used in biological or material contexts. It can describe both physical and metaphorical decline.
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deterioration |
A decline to a lower quality, stage, or condition. It is often used when discussing health, structures, or other conditions.
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degeneration |
The process of deteriorating or breaking down, often used in a medical or biological context. It implies a worsening condition.
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rot |
Decomposition or decay of organic matter. It is commonly used when talking about foods or plants and has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay.
- Regular dental check-ups can help prevent decay.
organic matter
The process of decomposition or rotting in organic matter, often caused by bacteria or fungi.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
decay |
Use 'decay' when referring to the gradual process of deterioration, often over a long period of time, typically used with things like teeth, buildings, or organic material.
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decompose |
Use 'decompose' when referring to the process of organic material breaking down into simpler substances, often in a scientific or ecological context.
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rot |
Use 'rot' to describe organic material decaying with a strong sense of unpleasantness or smell, often used in a negative context.
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break down |
Use 'break down' when talking about the process of something falling apart physically or chemically, often used with machines, systems, or organic material.
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Examples of usage
- Leaves decay and become part of the soil.
- Food left out for too long will decay.
Translations
Translations of the word "decay" in other languages:
๐ต๐น decadรชncia
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคกเคผเคจเคพ
๐ฉ๐ช Verfall
๐ฎ๐ฉ pembusukan
๐บ๐ฆ ัะพะทะฟะฐะด
๐ต๐ฑ rozkลad
๐ฏ๐ต ่ ๆ (ใตใฏใ, fuhai)
๐ซ๐ท dรฉcadence
๐ช๐ธ decadencia
๐น๐ท รงรผrรผme
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ถํจ (่ ๆ, bupae)
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุญูุงู
๐จ๐ฟ rozklad
๐ธ๐ฐ rozklad
๐จ๐ณ ่กฐ้ (shuฤituรฌ)
๐ธ๐ฎ razpad
๐ฎ๐ธ hnignun
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะดััะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแจแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ รงรผrรผmษ
๐ฒ๐ฝ decadencia
Etymology
The word 'decay' originated from the Old French word 'decair', which means 'to fall away'. It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the gradual decline or decomposition of something. The concept of decay is fundamental in nature, as all living organisms eventually decay and return to the earth.