decay (redirected from decaying)

decay /de·cay/ (de-ka´)

1. the decomposition of dead matter.

2. the process of decline, as in aging.

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beta decay  disintegration of the nucleus of an unstable radionuclide in which the mass number is unchanged, but atomic number is changed by 1, as a result of emission of a negatively or positively charged (beta) particle.

tooth decay  dental caries.

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de·cay (d-k)

n.

1. The destruction or decomposition of organic matter as a result of bacterial or fungal action; rot.

2. Dental caries.

3. The loss of information that was registered by the senses and processed into the short-term memory system.

4. Radioactive decay.

v.

1. To break down into component parts; rot.

2. To disintegrate or diminish by radioactive decay.

3. To decline in health or vigor; waste away.

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decay,

v to decompose.

decay, dental,

n See caries.

decay product,

n See daughter.

decay, radioactive,

n the disintegration of the nucleus of an unstable nuclide by the spontaneous emission of charged particles and/or photons.

decay, senile,

n See caries, senile dental.

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decay

1. the gradual decomposition of dead organic matter.

2. the process or stage of decline, as in old age.

3. in radioactivity terminology the disintegration of the nucleus of an inactive nuclide by the spontaneous emission of alpha or beta particles. Called also radioactive disintegration. Substances produced by the disintegrations are called daughter (3) compounds.

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decay-accelerating factor

a membrane-associated protein found on many cells, including peripheral blood cells, that inhibits the activity of complement.