— decomposable , adj. — decomposability , n.
/dee'keuhm pohz"/ , v. , decomposed, decomposing .
v.t.
1. to separate or resolve into constituent parts or elements; disintegrate: The bacteria decomposed the milk into its solid and liquid elements.
v.i.
2. to rot; putrefy: The egg began to decompose after a day in the sun.
[ 1745-55; décomposer, equiv. to dé- DIS- 1 + composer to COMPOSE ]
Syn. 1. distill, fractionate, analyze. 2. See decay .