putrefactive

Variant of putrefaction

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

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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