DECAY


Meaning of DECAY in English

■ verb

1》 rot or cause to rot through the action of bacteria and fungi; decompose.

↘decline in quality or vigour; deteriorate.

2》 Physics (of a radioactive substance, particle, etc.) undergo change to a different form by emitting radiation.

■ noun

1》 the state or process of ~ing.

2》 rotten matter or tissue.

Origin

ME: from OFr. decair , based on L. decidere 'fall down or off', from de- 'from' + cadere 'fall'.

Concise Oxford English vocab.      Сжатый оксфордский словарь английского языка.