decompose

US /ˌdiː.kəmˈpoʊz/
UK /ˌdiː.kəmˈpoʊz/
"decompose" picture
1.

to decay or to cause something to decay

:
The organic matter began to decompose rapidly.
Bacteria and fungi help to decompose dead plants and animals.
2.

to separate or be separated into simpler parts or elements

:
The complex problem can be decomposed into smaller, manageable sub-problems.
The scientist tried to decompose the chemical compound into its basic elements.