decompose
US /ˌdiː.kəmˈpoʊz/
UK /ˌdiː.kəmˈpoʊz/
1.
to decay or to cause something to decay
:
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The organic matter began to decompose rapidly.
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Bacteria and fungi help to decompose dead plants and animals.
2.
to separate or be separated into simpler parts or elements
:
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The complex problem can be decomposed into smaller, manageable sub-problems.
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The scientist tried to decompose the chemical compound into its basic elements.