decay

1. The process of gradually becoming inferior (synset 113477888)
   is a type of: action, activity, natural action, natural process - a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings)
   subtypes:

   • caries, cavity, dental caries, tooth decay - soft decayed area in a tooth; progressive decay can lead to the death of a tooth
   • corruption - decay of matter (as by rot or oxidation)
   • breakdown, decomposition, putrefaction, rot, rotting - (biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action
   • dilapidation, ruin - the process of becoming dilapidated
   • spoilage, spoiling - the process of becoming spoiled
2. A gradual decrease;
   As of stored charge or current (synset 113477740)
   is a type of: decrease, decrement - a process of becoming smaller or shorter
   subtypes: exponential decay, exponential return - a decrease that follows an exponential function
   same as: decline
3. The organic phenomenon of rotting (synset 111464739)
   is a type of: organic phenomenon - (biology) a natural phenomenon involving living plants and animals
   same as: decomposition
4. An inferior state resulting from the process of decaying (synset 114584204)
   "the corpse was in an advanced state of decay"; "the house had fallen into a serious state of decay and disrepair"
   is a type of: unsoundness - a condition of damage or decay
   subtypes:

   • putrefaction, rot - a state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor
   • decomposition, disintegration - in a decomposed state
   • deterioration, impairment - a symptom of reduced quality or strength
   • rancidity - the state of being rancid; having a rancid scent or flavor (as of old cooking oil)
5. The spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance along with the emission of ionizing radiation (synset 113478072)
   is a type of: nuclear reaction - (physics) a process that alters the energy or structure or composition of atomic nuclei
   subtypes:

   • alpha decay - radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus that is accompanied by the emission of an alpha particle
   • beta decay - radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus that is accompanied by the emission of a beta particle
   same as: disintegration, radioactive decay

1. Lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current (synset 200399980)
   "the particles disintegrated during the nuclear fission process"
   referred to in: natural philosophy, physics - the science of matter and energy and their interactions
   is a type of: change integrity - change in physical make-up
   same as: decompose, disintegrate
   verb group: disintegrate - cause to undergo fission or lose particles
2. Fall into decay or ruin (synset 200209244)
   "The unoccupied house started to decay"
   is a type of: change - undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature
   subtypes:

   • deteriorate - become worse or disintegrate
   • corrode, rust - become destroyed by water, air, or a corrosive such as an acid
   • weather - change under the action or influence of the weather
   • eat at, erode, gnaw, gnaw at, wear away - become ground down or deteriorate
   • droop, wilt - become limp
   • ruin - fall into ruin
   • break, bust, fall apart, wear, wear out - go to pieces
   same as: crumble, dilapidate
3. Undergo decay or decomposition (synset 200553892)
   "The body started to decay and needed to be cremated"
   is a type of: change - undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature
   subtypes:

   • decompose, molder, moulder, rot - break down
   • go bad, spoil - become unfit for consumption or use
   • putrefy - become putrid; decay with an offensive smell
   • deliquesce - melt away in the process of decay

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