dry rot

• Pourriture fongique qui rend le bois sec, cassant et friable, souvent présente dans les bâtiments mal ventilés ou humides. S'emploie aussi au sens figuré pour désigner un déclin progressif ou une corruption au sein d'une organisation ou d'un système.

A fungal decay that causes wood to become dry, brittle, and crumbly, often found in buildings with poor ventilation or damp conditions. Also used figuratively to describe a gradual decline or corruption in an organization or system.

1. Fungal decay in woodB2formal

   A type of fungal decay that attacks timber in buildings, causing it to become brittle and crumble.

   Pourriture cubique

   • The old house had to be repaired because of dry rot in the floorboards.
   • Dry rot can spread quickly if the wood is damp.
   • The carpenter identified dry rot in the wooden beams.

2. Moral or social decayC1formalbritish

   A gradual deterioration of moral principles, values, or social structures.

   décadence morale

   • The corruption scandal was a sign of dry rot in the government.
   • Dry rot in society often starts with small ethical compromises.
   • The novel explores the dry rot of the aristocracy.