ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈfakshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English putrefaccion, from Late Latin putrefaction-, putrefactio, from Latin putrefactus (past participle of putrefacere ) + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the decomposition of organic matter ; especially : the typically anaerobic process of splitting of proteins by the agency of bacteria and fungi with the formation of foul-smelling incompletely oxidized products (as mercaptans and alkaloids) — compare decay 5a
2. : the state of being putrefied : corruption , decay
his mind was in a state of advanced putrefaction — Norman Douglas