decompose
Other forms: decomposed; decomposing; decomposes
The verb decompose means to break down or decay, like tree leaves that decompose into dirt, or cell phone batteries that decompose, resulting in more frequent charging for the user.
You know that the prefix de- means "remove" or "undo." And something that's composed is made up of parts. So to decompose is to undo all the parts until they go back to their original state: dirt. Living things decompose. When things like buildings or organizations break down, you typically use words like dismantle or deconstruct to describe the process.
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break down
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separate (substances) into constituent elements or parts
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synonyms:
break down, break up, degrade
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types:
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digest
soften or disintegrate by means of chemical action, heat, or moisture
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dissociate
to undergo a reversible or temporary breakdown of a molecule into simpler molecules or atoms
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crack
reduce (petroleum) to a simpler compound by cracking
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type of:
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separate
divide into components or constituents
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digest
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lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current
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synonyms:
decay, disintegrate
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disintegrate
cause to undergo fission or lose particles
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type of:
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change integrity
change in physical make-up
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disintegrate
/ˈdikəmˌpoʊz/
/dikəmˈpʌʊz/
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- Chicago
Vocabulary lists containing decompose
As you read Graham Salisbury's "The Ravine," learn this word list. Here are links to other word lists for texts in Grade 6's Collection 1: The Ravine, Fine?, Fears and Phobias, In the Spotlight
There are buckets full of words to describe the stuff under your feet, so grab a shovel and dig into this list!
As you read Cheryl Bardoe's "Living in the Dark," learn this word list. Here are links to lists for texts in Grade 7's Collection 4: Dedication of the Aerospace Medical Health Center, Mankind's Next Giant Leap, Living in the Dark, Your World