to become decomposed; rot

vegetation that was decaying.

to decline in excellence, prosperity, health, etc.; deteriorate.

Physics . (of a radioactive nucleus) to change spontaneously into one or more different nuclei in a process in which atomic particles, as alpha particles, are emitted from the nucleus, electrons are captured or lost, or fission takes place.

to cause to decay or decompose; rot

The dampness of the climate decayed the books.

decomposition; rot

Decay made the wood unsuitable for use.

a gradual falling into an inferior condition; progressive decline

the decay of international relations; the decay of the Aztec civilizations.

decline in or loss of strength, health, intellect, etc.

His mental decay is distressing.

Also called disintegration , radioactive decay. Physics . a radioactive process in which a nucleus undergoes spontaneous transformation into one or more different nuclei and simultaneously emits radiation, loses electrons, or undergoes fission.

Aerospace . the progressive, accelerating reduction in orbital parameters, particularly apogee and perigee, of a spacecraft due to atmospheric drag.

noun

development , flourish , germination , growth , improvement , ripening , strength , strengthening

verb

build , develop , flourish , germinate , grow , improve , ripen , strengthen

noun

adulteration , atrophy , blight , caries , consumption , corrosion , crumbling , decadence , decline , decomposition , decrease , decrepitude , degeneracy , degeneration , depreciation , deterioration , dilapidation , disintegration , disrepair , dissolution , downfall , dying , extinction , fading , failing , gangrene , impairment , mortification , perishing , putrefaction , putrescence , putridity , putridness , rot , rotting , ruin , ruination , rust , senescence , spoilage , spoilation , wasting , wasting away , withering , breakdown , rottenness , caducity , canker , corruption , decadency , effluvium , eremacausis , labefaction , necrosis , retrogradation

verb

atrophy , become contaminated , be impaired , blight , break up , collapse , corrode , curdle , decline , decompose , defile , degenerate , depreciate , discolor , disintegrate , dissolve , dry-rot , dwindle , fade , fail , get worse , go bad , go to seed , go to the dogs , hit rock bottom , hit the skids , lessen , mildew , mold , molder , mortify , pejorate , perish , pollute , putrefy , putresce , reach depths , rot , sap , shrivel , sicken , sink , slump , spoil , suppurate , turn , wane , waste away , weaken , wear away , wither , break down , deteriorate , taint , caries , crumble , death , decadence , decrease , destruction , dilapidation , fester , moulder , retrograde , ruin , rust , sour , waste