decay

• 指事物逐渐变坏、腐烂或质量、强度、状态下降的过程。

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

不可数

1. DecompositionB2formal

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

   腐烂

   • 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.

   同义词breakdowncorruptiondecompositionputrefactionputrescencespoilage

2. DeteriorationB2formal

   A gradual decline in quality, strength, or power.

   衰退

   • 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.

   同义词atrophycorrosiondeclinedecompositiondegradationdeteriorationdisintegrationputrefactionrotwasting

   反义词developmentflourishinggrowthimprovementstrengthvitality

3. Radioactive decayC1formalscientific

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

   放射性衰变

   • 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.

   同义词disintegrationradioactive decay

• 表示逐渐变坏、减弱或破坏的过程的动词；也可指腐烂或分解。

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.

   腐烂

   • 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.

   同义词break downdecomposedisintegratego badmolderputrefyrotspoil

   反义词embalmhardenpetrifypreserve

2. Radioactive decayC1formalscientific

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

   放射性衰变

   • 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.

   同义词disintegrate

3. Deteriorate or declineB2formal

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

   衰败

   • 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.

   同义词corrodecrumbledeclinedecomposedegeneratedeterioratedisintegrateerodego badmolderputrefyrotspoilworsen

   反义词flourishimproverestorestrengthenthrive