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decay verb (decayed, decaying) 1 tr & intr to make or become rotten, ruined, weaker in health or power, etc. 2 intrans, physics said of a radioactive substance: to break down spontaneously into one or more isotopes which may or may not be radioactive. noun (decays) 1 the natural breakdown of dead organic matter. 2 physics the spontaneous breakdown of an unstable nucleus of a radioactive substance into one or more isotopes which may or may not be radioactive, with the emission of alpha particles or beta particles, or gamma rays. 3 a gradual decrease in health, power, quality, etc. 4 rotten matter in a tooth, etc. decayed adj 1 rotten. 2 impoverished.
ETYMOLOGY: 15c: from French decair.
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Consult Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, The Chambers Thesaurus (1996) or Chambers Biographical Dictionary (1997 edition with amendments). Enter your search and choose your title from the drop-down menu.
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