Putrefying: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe organic matter decaying and producing a very unpleasant smell. Often used in a medical or scientific context.

• The putrefying corpse emitted a foul odor
• The putrefying meat attracted flies

Typically used to describe the decomposition of food or organic matter, often implying an unpleasant smell. Commonly used in everyday language.

• The fruit in the basket was rotting
• The wooden beams in the old house were rotting away

Refers to the process of something breaking down over time. Can be used in a broader sense, not just for organic matter.

• The old mansion was slowly decaying
• The leaves were decaying on the forest floor

Generally used to describe the process of organic matter being broken down by bacteria and other organisms. Often used in biology and environmental science.

• The scientists studied the decomposing remains of the animal
• The compost pile was full of decomposing plant material