decay, decompose, rot, putrefy, spoil mean to undergo destructive dissolution. decay implies a slow change from a state of soundness or perfection. decompose stresses a breaking down by chemical …

decaying (dɪˈkeɪɪŋ) adj 1. rotting as a result of bacterial, fungal, or chemical action; decomposing 2. declining gradually in health, prosperity, excellence, etc

DECAY definition: to become decomposed; rot. See examples of decay used in a sentence.

DECAYING definition: 1. present participle of decay 2. to become gradually damaged, worse, or less; to cause something…. Learn more.

We sat together in the small staff room on sagging sofas, amid a rich and pervasive smell of old upholstery and decaying dogs. They look like the ace of clubs painted in glossy yellow, and linger on …

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024 de•cay (di kā′), v.i. Microbiology to become decomposed; rot: vegetation that was decaying. to decline in excellence, …

Definition of decay verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. [intransitive, transitive] decay (something) to be destroyed gradually by natural processes; to destroy something in this way …

Feb 23, 2026 · Verb decay (third-person singular simple present decays, present participle decaying, simple past and past participle decayed) (intransitive) To deteriorate, to get worse, to lose strength or …

Information and translations of Decaying in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web.

To decay means to rot, decompose, break down. Our bodies—anything organic—will decay after death. Broken sidewalks, potholes, graffiti are all signs of urban decay. Tooth decay is something to …