Decay - Definition

n 1: the process of gradually becoming inferior
2: a gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current [syn:
decay, decline]
3: the organic phenomenon of rotting [syn: decay,
decomposition]
4: an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying;
"the corpse was in an advanced state of decay"; "the house
had fallen into a serious state of decay and disrepair"
5: the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance
along with the emission of ionizing radiation [syn: decay,
radioactive decay, disintegration]
v 1: lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current; "the
particles disintegrated during the nuclear fission process"
[syn: disintegrate, decay, decompose]
2: fall into decay or ruin; "The unoccupied house started to
decay" [syn: decay, crumble, dilapidate]
3: undergo decay or decomposition; "The body started to decay
and needed to be cremated"