DECOMPOSITION

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does decomposition mean? 

• DECOMPOSITION (noun)
  The noun DECOMPOSITION has 5 senses:

1. the analysis of a vector field

2. in a decomposed state

3. (chemistry) separation of a substance into two or more substances that may differ from each other and from the original substance

4. (biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action

5. the organic phenomenon of rotting

  Familiarity information: DECOMPOSITION used as a noun is common.

 Dictionary entry details 

• DECOMPOSITION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The analysis of a vector field

Classified under:

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents

Synonyms:

decomposition; vector decomposition

Hypernyms ("decomposition" is a kind of...):

vector algebra (the part of algebra that deals with the theory of vectors and vector spaces)

Sense 2

Meaning:

In a decomposed state

Classified under:

Nouns denoting stable states of affairs

Synonyms:

decomposition; disintegration

Hypernyms ("decomposition" is a kind of...):

decay (an inferior state resulting from the process of decaying)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "decomposition"):

fragmentation (the disintegration of social norms governing behavior and thought and social relationships)

Sense 3

Meaning:

(chemistry) separation of a substance into two or more substances that may differ from each other and from the original substance

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural processes

Synonyms:

chemical decomposition reaction; decomposition; decomposition reaction

Hypernyms ("decomposition" is a kind of...):

chemical reaction; reaction ((chemistry) a process in which one or more substances are changed into others)

Domain category:

chemical science; chemistry (the science of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "decomposition"):

electrolysis ((chemistry) a chemical decomposition reaction produced by passing an electric current through a solution containing ions)

Derivation:

decompose (separate (substances) into constituent elements or parts)

Sense 4

Meaning:

(biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural processes

Synonyms:

breakdown; decomposition; putrefaction; rot; rotting

Hypernyms ("decomposition" is a kind of...):

decay (the process of gradually becoming inferior)

Domain category:

biological science; biology (the science that studies living organisms)

Derivation:

decompose (break down)

Sense 5

Meaning:

The organic phenomenon of rotting

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural phenomena

Synonyms:

decay; decomposition

Hypernyms ("decomposition" is a kind of...):

organic phenomenon ((biology) a natural phenomenon involving living plants and animals)

Derivation:

decompose (break down)

decompositional (causing organic decay)

 Context examples 

A pale yellow, oily liquid nitrosamine with a characteristic odor that is light sensitive and emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides when heated to decomposition.

(N-Nitrosodiethanolamine, NCI Thesaurus)

When heated to decomposition, N-nitrosodiethylamine emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides.

(N-Nitrosodiethylamine, NCI Thesaurus)

A clear, colorless, nonflammable, volatile liquid chlorinated hydrocarbon with a sweet, pleasant smell and emits highly toxic fumes of phosgene when heated to decomposition.

(Methylene Chloride, NCI Thesaurus)

A colorless, crystalline compound that emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides when heated to decomposition.

(Hydrazobenzene, NCI Thesaurus)

A stable, white, crystalline chlorinated hydrocarbon that emits very toxic fumes of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrochloric acid and other chlorinated compounds when heated to decomposition.

(Hexachlorobenzene, NCI Thesaurus)

A crystalline, colorless, toxic, solid chlorinated hydrocarbon with a camphor-like odor and emits toxic and irritating fumes when heated to decomposition.

(Hexachloroethane, NCI Thesaurus)

A yellow, volatile liquid nitrosamine that emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides when heated to decomposition.

(N-Nitrosomethylvinylamine, NCI Thesaurus)

A clear, yellow, oily, liquid that is light sensitive and emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides when heated to decomposition.

(N-Nitrosopiperidine, NCI Thesaurus)

When heated to decomposition, o-toluidine emits toxic fumes of nitrogen oxides while the hydrochloride also produces hydrochloric acid.

(o-Toluidine, NCI Thesaurus)

When 1,4-dichlorobenzene is heated to decomposition, toxic gases and vapors (such as hydrochloric acid and carbon monoxide) are released.

(Paradichlorobenzene, NCI Thesaurus)