v.
- rot or cause to rot through the action of bacteria and fungi; decompose.
▸decline in quality or vigour; deteriorate.
- Physics (of a radioactive substance, particle, etc.) undergo change to a different form by emitting radiation.
n.
- the state or process of decaying.
- rotten matter or tissue.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. decair, based on L. decidere ‘fall down or off’, from de- ‘from’ + cadere ‘fall’.