putrefaction

(pyo̵̅o̅′trə faks̸hən)

noun

the decomposition of organic matter by bacteria, fungi, and oxidation, resulting in the formation of foul-smelling products; a rotting

Origin: ME putrefaccion < LL putrefactio < L putrefacere: see putrefy

Related Forms:

See putrefaction in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. Decomposition of organic matter, especially protein, by microorganisms, resulting in production of foul-smelling matter.
  2. Putrefied matter.
  3. The condition of being putrefied.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English putrefaccioun

Origin: , from Late Latin putrefactiō, putrefactiōn-

Origin: , from putrefactus

Origin: , past participle of Latin putrefacere, to make rotten; see putrefy

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