decay
de|cay /dɪk'eɪ/ (decays decaying decayed)
1 [VERB] V, V-ing
When something such as a dead body, a dead plant, or a tooth decays, it is gradually destroyed by a natural process.
The bodies buried in the fine ash slowly decayed...
The ground was scattered with decaying leaves.
= rot
[N-UNCOUNT]
Decay is also a noun.
When not removed, plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease.
● decayed [ADJ]
...decayed teeth.
= rotten
2 [VERB] V
If something such as a society, system, or institution decays, it gradually becomes weaker or its condition gets worse.
Popular cinema seems to have decayed...
[N-UNCOUNT]
Decay is also a noun.
There are problems of urban decay and gang violence.tooth de|cay
[N-UNCOUNT]
If you have tooth decay, one or more of your teeth has become decayed.
1 [VERB] V, V-ing
When something such as a dead body, a dead plant, or a tooth decays, it is gradually destroyed by a natural process.
The bodies buried in the fine ash slowly decayed...
The ground was scattered with decaying leaves.
= rot
[N-UNCOUNT]
Decay is also a noun.
When not removed, plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease.
● decayed [ADJ]
...decayed teeth.
= rotten
2 [VERB] V
If something such as a society, system, or institution decays, it gradually becomes weaker or its condition gets worse.
Popular cinema seems to have decayed...
[N-UNCOUNT]
Decay is also a noun.
There are problems of urban decay and gang violence.tooth de|cay
[N-UNCOUNT]
If you have tooth decay, one or more of your teeth has become decayed.