Other forms: decompositions
Decomposition is the breaking down of something into simpler parts. In nature it is the rotting that returns dead plants and animals to the soil; in chemistry it is a compound splitting into simpler substances.
Both senses are technical and both are taught in school science, which is where most learners meet the word. Biological decomposition is done by bacteria, fungi and invertebrates and is what makes a compost heap work. Chemical decomposition is one of the basic reaction types, alongside synthesis. There is a third, mathematical sense — decomposing a problem into smaller parts — and it is common in computing and project work, where it means the same thing without any rotting.
1noundecompositionThe natural rotting of dead plants and animals.
“Decomposition is much slower in cold ground.”
synonyms: decay, rotting
2nounchemistryIn chemistry, a compound breaking down into simpler substances.
“Heating causes decomposition into two gases.”
3nounproblemThe breaking of a problem into smaller parts.
“The first step is decomposition of the task into stages.”
Latin
compositiō
Old French
composicion
Middle English
composicioun
English
composition
English, today
decomposition
From de- + composition. composition comes from Middle English composicioun, borrowed from Old French composicion, from Latin compositiō.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA