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Decomposed Meaning in English

word · lemma: decompose

ˌdikəmˈpoʊzd
dee-kuhm-POHZD
dˌiːkəmpˈəʊzd
dee-kuhm-POHZD

Definition

When something, especially organic matter, has broken down or rotted due to bacteria and other natural processes. For example, a body or plant material that is no longer whole because it has decayed.

Usage & Nuances

Most often used about dead plants, animals, or food. Usually describes something that has broken down completely or partially in a natural way. Formal or scientific; not used for things that break mechanically. Occasionally used figuratively for breakdowns (e.g., 'decomposed data' in computing).

Example Sentences

The fruit had decomposed in the bowl.

basic

The animal's body had decomposed after many days.

basic

Leaves on the forest floor had decomposed into rich soil.

basic

By the time they found the food, it was already decomposed and inedible.

natural

Everything in the compost heap has decomposed nicely over the summer.

natural

The decomposed remains made it difficult for investigators to identify the victim.

natural