n.
Function: noun
Date: 15th century
1 : gradual decline in strength, soundness, or prosperity or in degree of excellence or perfection
2 : a wasting or wearing away : RUIN
3 obsolete : DESTRUCTION , DEATH
4 a : ROT specifically : aerobic decomposition of proteins chiefly by bacteria b : the product of decay
5 : a decline in health or vigor
6 : decrease in quantity, activity, or force: as a : spontaneous decrease in the number of radioactive atoms in radioactive material b : spontaneous disintegration (as of an atom or a particle)