(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
When something such as a dead body, a dead plant, or a tooth ~s, it is gradually destroyed by a natural process.
The bodies buried in the fine ash slowly ~ed...
The ground was scattered with ~ing leaves.
= rot
VERB: V, V-ing
•
Decay is also a noun.
When not removed, plaque causes tooth ~ and gum disease.
N-UNCOUNT
~ed
...~ed teeth.
= rotten
ADJ
2.
If something such as a society, system, or institution ~s, it gradually becomes weaker or its condition gets worse.
Popular cinema seems to have ~ed...
VERB: V
•
Decay is also a noun.
There are problems of urban ~ and gang violence.
N-UNCOUNT