I. ˈrät verb
( rot·ted ; rot·ting )
Etymology: Middle English roten, from Old English rotian; akin to Old High German rōzzēn to rot
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to undergo decomposition from the action of bacteria or fungi
b. : to become unsound or weak (as from use or chemical action)
2.
a. : to go to ruin : deteriorate
b. : to become morally corrupt : degenerate
transitive verb
: to cause to decompose or deteriorate with or as if with rot
Synonyms: see decay
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : the process of rotting : the state of being rotten : decay
b. : something rotten or rotting
2.
a. archaic : a wasting putrescent disease
b. : any of several parasitic diseases especially of sheep marked by necrosis and wasting
c. : plant disease marked by breakdown of tissues and caused especially by fungi or bacteria
3. : nonsense — often used interjectionally