■ verb ( ~s , ~ting , ~ted )
1》 decompose by the action of bacteria and fungi; decay.
2》 gradually deteriorate or decline.
■ noun
1》 the process of decaying.
↘~ten or decayed matter.
2》 ( the ~ ) Brit. a process of deterioration; a decline in standards: there is enough talent to stop the ~.
3》 any of a number of fungal or bacterial diseases that cause tissue deterioration, especially in plants.
4》 informal, chiefly Brit. rubbish: don't talk ~.
Origin
OE ~ian (v.), of Gmc origin.