Definition of decomposition

decompositionnoun

phân rã

/ˌdiːˌkɒmpəˈzɪʃn//ˌdiːˌkɑːmpəˈzɪʃn/

The word "decomposition" comes from the Latin words "de-" meaning "down" or "away" and "compositus" meaning "composed". The word was first used in the early 17th century to describe the process of breaking down complex substances into simpler ones. This original meaning is still relevant today, especially in fields like chemistry and biology. However, the word has also come to refer to the breakdown of organic matter, like dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. This is a natural process, driven by microorganisms and essential for the recycling of nutrients in the environment.

namespace

the process of being destroyed gradually after death by natural processes

quá trình bị phá hủy dần dần sau khi chết bởi các quá trình tự nhiên

Example:
  • the decomposition of organic waste

    phân hủy chất thải hữu cơ

Related words and phrases

the process in which one substance is broken down into two or more simpler substances

quá trình phân hủy một chất thành hai hay nhiều chất đơn giản hơn

Related words and phrases