Rot: meaning, definitions and examples

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rot

 

[rɒt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food

A type of bread roll which is often round and flat, typically filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.

Synonyms

chapati, flatbread, naan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rot

Duplicate entry, see the first entry.

  • The pumpkin started to rot after Halloween.
  • He studied the process of wood rot in his biology class.
flatbread

Use when referring to a broad category of bread that are flat and often unleavened. This term serves as a general description for various types of bread around the world, including tortillas, lavash, and pita.

  • Flatbread can be used to make sandwiches or wraps.
  • She prepared different kinds of flatbread for the dinner party.
chapati

Use when talking about a type of unleavened flatbread commonly eaten in South Asia, particularly India and Pakistan. It is typically round and thin and usually made from whole wheat flour.

  • She made fresh chapatis to serve with the curry.
  • Chapati is a staple food in many Indian households.
naan

Use when speaking about a type of leavened flatbread that is commonly found in South Asia, especially India. Naan is typically made from white flour and baked in a tandoor or oven, often served with Indian curries and dishes.

  • We ordered garlic naan to go with our butter chicken.
  • Naan is softer and fluffier compared to chapati.

Examples of usage

  • I had a delicious roti for lunch today.
  • She wrapped the curry in a roti and ate it with her hands.
Context #2 | Verb

decay

To undergo decomposition due to the action of bacteria, fungi, or other organisms.

Synonyms

decay, decompose, putrefy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rot

Used often when talking about natural processes where organic substances break down over time, especially with visible effects.

  • The fruits began to rot after being left outside for a week
decay

More formal, often used in scientific or medical contexts to describe the process of breaking down slowly, especially over a long period.

  • Tooth decay is a common problem caused by poor dental hygiene
decompose

Usually used in a scientific or ecological context to describe the process of organic matter being broken down into simpler substances by microorganisms.

  • Leaves decompose over time and enrich the soil
putrefy

Often used to describe the process of rotting with an emphasis on the foul smell, typically in the context of dead animals or food. It has a negative connotation.

  • The abandoned meat quickly began to putrefy, filling the room with a terrible odor

Examples of usage

  • The fruit started to rot after a few days.
  • Leaving food out in the sun will cause it to rot quickly.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'rot' comes from the Old English 'rotian', which means to decay or decompose.
  • In many languages, similar words exist; for example, 'rotten' in German is 'verfault', linking to the concept of decay.

Science

  • Rotting is a natural process caused by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter.
  • Certain types of bacteria, such as those in the family Clostridiaceae, specialize in breaking down food in low-oxygen environments.
  • The process of rot can be beneficial, recycling nutrients back into the soil for plants to use.

Environmental Impact

  • Food that rots in landfills produces methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
  • Composting can help reduce rot-related waste by composting organic materials instead of letting them decay in landfills.

Literature

  • Rot often appears in literature as a symbol of decay, loss, or the passage of time, representing the inevitability of change.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, the concept of rot can metaphorically signify moral decay, such as in 'Hamlet'.

Pop Culture

  • In horror movies and literature, rotting bodies often evoke fear and symbolize the climax of decay and danger.
  • Some popular video games feature rot as a theme, showing characters battling against decay and decay-driven monsters.

Translations

Translations of the word "rot" in other languages:

🇵🇹 podridão

🇮🇳 सड़न

🇩🇪 Fäulnis

🇮🇩 pembusukan

🇺🇦 гниття

🇵🇱 gnicie

🇯🇵 腐敗 (ふはい)

🇫🇷 pourriture

🇪🇸 putrefacción

🇹🇷 çürüme

🇰🇷 부패

🇸🇦 تعفن

🇨🇿 hniloba

🇸🇰 hniloba

🇨🇳 腐烂 (fǔlàn)

🇸🇮 gnitje

🇮🇸 rotnun

🇰🇿 шіріген

🇬🇪 ლპობა

🇦🇿 çürümə

🇲🇽 putrefacción

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,203 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.