decomposition /de·com·po·si·tion/ (de-kom″pah-zish´un) the separation of compound bodies into their constituent principles.
decomposition
de·com·po·si·tion (d -k m p -z sh n)n. 1. The act or result of decomposing; disintegration. 2. Separation into constituents by chemical reaction. 3. The breakdown or decay of organic materials; lysis. de·com po·sition·al adj. |
decomposition
[dē′kəmpəsish′ən]
Etymology: L, de + componere, to put together
the breakdown of a substance into simpler chemical forms. decompose, v.
decomposition
1. biologically speaking, the separation of compound bodies into their constituent principles; the natural process of biodegradation of animal and plant materials. Its occurrence in human and animal foods is a constant threat and preventing it is the prime objective of the food hygienist.
2. statistically speaking, the removal of accountable influences on a set of data so that only variation due to random error remains.
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