v.
(rots, rotting, rotted)
- decompose by the action of bacteria and fungi; decay.
- gradually deteriorate or decline.
n.
- the process of decaying.
▸rotten or decayed matter.
-
(the rot)
Brit. a process of deterioration; a decline in standards:
there is enough talent to stop the rot.
- any of a number of fungal or bacterial diseases that cause tissue deterioration, especially in plants.
- informal, chiefly Brit. rubbish:
don't talk rot.
Etymology
OE rotian (v.), of Gmc origin.