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Webster 1913 Edition


Decomposition

De-comˊpo-si′tion

,
Noun.
[Pref.
de-
(in sense 3 intensive) +
composition
: cf. F.
décomposition
. Cf.
Decomposition
.]
1.
The act or process of resolving the constituent parts of a compound body or substance into its elementary parts; separation into constituent part; analysis; the decay or dissolution consequent on the removal or alteration of some of the ingredients of a compound; disintegration;
as, the
decomposition
of wood, rocks, etc.
2.
The state of being reduced into original elements.
3.
Repeated composition; a combination of compounds.
[Obs.]
Decomposition of forces
.
Same as
Resolution of forces
, under
Resolution
.
Decomposition of light
,
the division of light into the prismatic colors.

Webster 1828 Edition


Decomposition

DECOMPOSI'TION

, n.

Definition 2024


decomposition

decomposition

See also: décomposition

English

Noun

decomposition (plural decompositions)

  1. A biological process through which organic material is reduced to e.g. compost
  2. The act of taking something apart, e.g. for analysis
  3. The splitting (of e.g. a matrix, an atom, or a compound) into constituent parts

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Translations