decay

6 definitions • 15 examples

to become gradually damaged, worse, or less; to cause something to do this:

Sugar makes your teeth decay.

The role of the extended family has been decaying for some time.

Pollution has decayed the surface of the stonework on the front of the cathedral.

the smell of decaying meat

If a radioactive substance decays, it changes to a different form, producing radiation:

decay into Radioactive uranium decays into stable lead at a known rate.

As the actinium-225 decays, it gives off short-lived, highly energized alpha particles.

the process of decaying:

environmental/industrial/moral/urban decay

dental/tooth decay

fall into decay The buildings had started to fall into decay.

in decay This industry has been in decay for some time.

the process by which a radioactive substance changes to a different form, producing radiation:

Radon is emitted in the natural decay of radioactive materials in rock and soil.

the decay rate of beryllium-7

damage, or a state that becomes gradually worse:

The dentist says I have a lot of tooth decay.

There’s still too much crime, poverty, and decay in the neighborhood.

Your attitude just contributes to the growing social decay.

the process by which a radioactive substance breaks down and sends out harmful radiation