1. (n.) The act or process of resolving the constituent parts of a compound body or substance into its elementary parts; separation into constituent part; analysis; the decay or dissolution consequent on the removal or alteration of some of the ingredients of a compound; disintegration; as, the decomposition of wood, rocks, etc.

2. (n.) The state of being reduced into original elements.

3. (n.) Repeated composition; a combination of compounds.

ablation atomization biodegradability biodegradation breakup caries carrion corrosion corruption crumbling decay degradability degradation dilapidation disintegration disjunction disorganization dissolution dry rot erosion foulness gangrene incoherence mildew mold mortification necrosis oxidation oxidization putrefaction putrescence putridity putridness rancidity rancidness rankness ravages of time resolution rot rottenness rust slough sphacelation sphacelus spoilage tooth decay wear wear and tear