putrefaction Hear it!

putrefaction Definition

pu·tre·fac·tion (pyo̵̅o̅′trə fak′s̸hən)

noun

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

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

putrefaction Related Forms
pu′·tre·fac′·tive adjective
putrefaction Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • cause: Pasteur believed that they caused the putrefaction of the beer not that they were the result of the putrefaction.
  • resist: BIRCH: A strong Birch leaf tea and/or a decoction of Birch bark resolves and resists putrefaction.
  • undergo: The dead tissue then separates from the surrounding living tissue and undergoes putrefaction ( pus formation ).
  • produce: He throws away the intestines with the ordure, which produces putrefaction of the flesh with a stench if it remains inside.

Adjective modifier

  • abnormal: It reduces abnormal putrefaction in the bowel which can cause toxic and cancer producing substances to form.
  • internal: Tyson proposed that because meat rots so quickly outside the body it will incite internal putrefaction if taken into the body.
  • animal: Below it on the river there are several tanneries which fill the whole neighborhood with the stench of animal putrefaction.
putrefaction Quotes

Talking of the Comedy of 'The Rehearsal', he said 'It has not enough wit to keep it sweet.' This was easy;öhe therefore caught himself, and pronounced a more rounded sentence; 'It hasnot vitalityenoughtopreserve it from putrefaction.'

—Johnson, Samuel known as Dr Johnson

Browse dictionary entries near putrefaction

  1. ‹ putout
  2. ‹ Putnam
  3. ‹ putlog
  4. ‹ Putin
  5. ‹ putative
  6. ‹ putamen
  7. ‹ put up with
  8. ‹ put-up
  9. ‹ put to sleep
  10. ‹ put to seller
  1. putrefy ›
  2. putrescent ›
  3. putrescible ›
  4. putrescine ›
  5. putrid ›
  6. puts and calls ›
  7. putsch ›
  8. putt ›
  9. putt-putt ›
  10. puttee ›