Word
decompose
Phoneticsde·com·pose, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdikəmˈpoʊz/
UK/dˌiːkəmpˈəʊz/
Biology
Definition
v. to break down into smaller parts, especially when something dies and starts to rot. It can also mean to take something complex and look at its separate pieces.
v. to break down into simpler components, typically through the action of bacteria or fungi; to resolve a complex whole into its constituent parts. Often used in scientific or technical contexts to describe chemical or biological processes.
Examples
“Dead leaves decompose in the forest to make rich soil.”
“The forensic team used chemical analysis to determine how long the remains had been decomposing in the river.”
“In linear algebra, a matrix can be decomposed into a product of simpler matrices to simplify the computation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors.”
Examples
simple
“Dead leaves decompose in the forest to make rich soil.”
contextual
“The forensic team used chemical analysis to determine how long the remains had been decomposing in the river.”
complex
“In linear algebra, a matrix can be decomposed into a product of simpler matrices to simplify the computation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors.”
Real-World Examples
“Among the factors studied, land use had the strongest influence on how quickly the underwear decomposed.” “Many of the materials studied would otherwise decompose before they could be turned into glass.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French décomposer. Equivalent to de- + compose.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/decompose