decomposition

decomposition /de·com·po·si·tion/ (de-kom?pah-zish´un) the separation of compound bodies into their constituent principles.

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de·com·po·si·tion (d-kmp-zshn)

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.

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de·compo·sition·al adj.

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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.