American Dictionary

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Definition decay in American English

decay noun

[uncountable] noun
/dɪˈkeɪ/
1

the gradual destruction of something as a result of a natural process of change

Example

Bacteria cause the decay of dead plants and animals.

Example

Candy causes tooth decay.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

the part of something that has gradually been destroyed

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2

the process by which a building or an area gradually gets into a worse state because it has not been taken care of

Example

The farmhouse fell into disuse and decay.

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3

the process of becoming gradually worse in quality, or weaker in power or influence

Example

the social and moral decay of the country

Synonyms and related words
Definition decay in American English