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decay

de·cay

decay

 
 
pronunciation:
dih keI
parts of speech:
verb, noun
features:
Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: verb
inflections: decays, decaying, decayed
definition 1: to rot or become rotted.
The floor of the forest is covered with leaves that are decaying.
synonyms:
crumble, decompose, rot, spoil
similar words:
corrode, deteriorate, disintegrate
definition 2: to lose health, strength, or excellence.
Her health has decayed over the past year.
synonyms:
decline, ebb, fail, wane, waste
similar words:
weaken
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a process of slowly losing quality, strength, or health.
The old house is in decay because no one takes care of it.
 
synonyms:
deterioration, ruin
similar words:
collapse
definition 2: the process of rotting or condition of being rotted.
Daily brushing helps prevent tooth decay.
similar words:
corrosion, erosion, ruin
derivation: decayable (adj.)
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