SYN: putrefaction.
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de·com·po·si·tion (.)dē-.käm-pə-'zish-ən n the act or process of decomposing: the state of being decomposed:
a) the separation or resolution (as of a substance) into constituent parts or elements or into simpler compounds <\decomposition of mercuric oxide into mercury and oxygen>
b) organic decay <the \decomposition of a dead body>
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n.
the gradual disintegration of dead organic matter, usually foodstuffs or tissues, by the chemical action of bacteria and/or fungi.
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de·com·po·si·tion (de″kom-pə-zishґən) [de- + L. componere to put together] the separation of compound bodies into their constituent principles by whatever process.Medical dictionary. 2011.