Disintegrate: meaning, definitions and examples
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disintegrate
[ˌdɪsˈɪntɪˌɡreɪt ]
Definitions
in chemistry
To disintegrate means to break down into smaller parts or components, often as a result of a chemical reaction.
Synonyms
break down, decompose, dissolve.
Examples of usage
- Mixing the two chemicals caused the compound to disintegrate into its individual elements.
- The heat caused the plastic to disintegrate, releasing toxic fumes.
in relationships
To disintegrate can also refer to the deterioration or collapse of a relationship, organization, or system.
Synonyms
break down, deteriorate, fall apart.
Examples of usage
- The company started to disintegrate after the CEO's scandal.
- The family's unity began to disintegrate as disagreements arose.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from Latin 'disintegrat-', which means to break apart.
- It combines 'dis-', meaning 'apart or away', with 'integrate', which means to combine or make whole.
Science
- In physics, 'disintegration' often refers to radioactive decay, where an unstable atomic nucleus breaks apart.
- In chemistry, certain compounds can disintegrate when exposed to heat or specific chemicals, leading to simpler substances.
Pop Culture
- Disintegration has been a popular theme in movies, especially in sci-fi genres where objects or beings break down into energy or particles.
- The song 'Disintegration' by The Cure explores themes of loss and emotional breakdown, reflecting how feelings can fragment.
Environmental Studies
- Ecosystems can disintegrate if exposed to pollutants, leading to loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction.
- Plastic waste can disintegrate into microplastics in oceans, which pose serious threats to marine life.
Psychology
- In psychological terms, disintegration can refer to a breakdown of one's identity or sense of self, often after trauma.
- Some theories suggest that intense stress can lead to disintegration of coping mechanisms, affecting mental health.
Translations
Translations of the word "disintegrate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desintegrar
🇮🇳 विघटित करना
🇩🇪 zerfallen
🇮🇩 terurai
🇺🇦 розпадатися
🇵🇱 rozpadać się
🇯🇵 分解する (ぶんかいする)
🇫🇷 désintégrer
🇪🇸 desintegrar
🇹🇷 dağılmak
🇰🇷 분해되다
🇸🇦 يتفكك
🇨🇿 rozpadnout se
🇸🇰 rozpadať sa
🇨🇳 分解 (fēn jiě)
🇸🇮 razpasti se
🇮🇸 týnast sundur
🇰🇿 ыдырау
🇬🇪 დაშლა
🇦🇿 parçalanmaq
🇲🇽 desintegrarse