ENGLISH
REFERENCE

rotted

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɹɑtɪd// UK //ɹˈɒtɪd// rot·ted

v. to have decayed or broken down because of being wet or old. You use this to describe wood, food, or even old smells that have gone bad.

v. the past tense and past participle of 'rot', indicating the process of decay or decomposition of organic matter. Often used to describe the state of wood, food, or fabric that has been damaged by moisture or age.


SIMPLE

The old fence was rotted and needed to be replaced.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of being left in the damp basement, the wooden crates were completely rotted and fell apart in my hands.

COMPLEX

The archaeologists discovered that the ship's hull had been so thoroughly rotted by the saltwater that only the iron fittings remained intact for study.

Synonyms

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