decay

• Nom désignant le processus de détérioration progressive, de décomposition ou de déclin de la qualité, de la solidité ou de l'état.

A noun referring to the process of gradual deterioration, decomposition, or decline in quality, strength, or condition.

indénombrable

1. DecompositionB2formal

   The process of rotting or breaking down, especially of organic matter.

   décomposition

   • The decay of the fallen leaves enriches the soil.
   • Tooth decay is caused by bacteria and sugar.
   • The old house showed signs of decay in its wooden beams.

   Synonymesbreakdowncorruptiondecompositionputrefactionputrescencespoilage

2. DeteriorationB2formal

   A gradual decline in quality, strength, or power.

   Détérioration

   • The decay of the Roman Empire took centuries.
   • Urban decay is a problem in many industrial cities.
   • Moral decay in society is a concern for many.

   Synonymesatrophycorrosiondeclinedecompositiondegradationdeteriorationdisintegrationputrefactionrotwasting

   Antonymesdevelopmentflourishinggrowthimprovementstrengthvitality

3. Radioactive decayC1formalscientific

   The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

   désintégration radioactive

   • Radioactive decay occurs at a predictable rate.
   • The half-life measures the rate of decay of an isotope.
   • Scientists study decay to understand the age of ancient artifacts.

   Synonymesdisintegrationradioactive decay

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner le processus de détérioration, d'affaiblissement ou de destruction progressive ; pourrir ou se décomposer. Peut aussi signifier perdre de la vigueur ou de la qualité avec le temps.

A verb used to indicate the process of gradually becoming worse, weaker, or less sound; to rot or decompose.

1. Decompose or rotB2formalscientific

   To break down or decompose gradually due to natural processes, especially by bacteria or fungi.

   Se décomposer, pourrir

   • The fallen leaves decay and enrich the soil.
   • If food is left out, it will decay quickly.
   • The old wooden fence began to decay after years of rain.

   Synonymesbreak downdecomposedisintegratego badmolderputrefyrotspoil

   Antonymesembalmhardenpetrifypreserve

2. Radioactive decayC1formalscientific

   To undergo a process where an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation.

   décroissance radioactive

   • Uranium-238 decays into thorium-234 over time.
   • The scientists measured how quickly the isotope decays.
   • Radioactive decay releases energy in the form of particles.

   Synonymesdisintegrate

3. Deteriorate or declineB2formal

   To gradually become worse in quality, strength, or condition.

   se dégrader, dépérir

   • The old building's structure began to decay from neglect.
   • His health started to decay after the accident.
   • The city's infrastructure is decaying due to lack of funding.

   Synonymescorrodecrumbledeclinedecomposedegeneratedeterioratedisintegrateerodego badmolderputrefyrotspoilworsen

   Antonymesflourishimproverestorestrengthenthrive