decompose Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb separate (substances) into constituent elements or parts
    break down; break up.
  2. verb lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current
    disintegrate; decay.
    • the particles disintegrated during the nuclear fission process
  3. verb break down
    moulder; molder; rot.
    • The bodies decomposed in the heat

WordNet

De`com*pose" transitive verb
Etymology
Cf. F. décomposer. Cf. Discompose.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Decomposed ; present participle & verbal noun Decomposing
Definitions
  1. To separate the constituent parts of; to resolve into original elements; to set free from previously existing forms of chemical combination; to bring to dissolution; to rot or decay.
De`com*pose" intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To become resolved or returned from existing combinations; to undergo dissolution; to decay; to rot.

Webster 1913