decay (
http://definr.com/decay)
n 1: the process of gradually becoming inferior
2: a gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current [syn:
decline]
3: the organic phenomenon of rotting [syn:
decomposition]
4: an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying;
"the corpse was in an advanced state of decay"; "the house
had fallen into a serious state of decay and disrepair"
5: the spontaneous disintegration of a radioactive substance
along with the emission of ionizing radiation [syn: {radioactive
decay},
disintegration]
v 1: lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current; of
particles [syn:
disintegrate,
decompose]
2: fall into decay or ruin; "The unoccupied house started to
decay" [syn:
crumble,
delapidate]
3: undergo decay or decomposition