verb Download 🔗Share To deteriorate, to get worse, to lose strength or health, to decline in quality. Examples : "The pair loved to take pictures in the decaying hospital on forty-third street." biology medicine physiology environment quality condition age process Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share (of organic material) To rot, to go bad. Examples : "The fallen apple slowly decays on the ground. " biology nature environment Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share (of an unstable atom) To change by undergoing fission, by emitting radiation, or by capturing or losing one or more electrons. Examples : "The radioactive material in the old watch slowly decays, emitting particles that can be detected with special equipment. " physics energy chemistry Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share (of a quantum system) To undergo optical decay, that is, to relax to a less excited state, usually by emitting a photon or phonon. Examples : "The excited atom decays, releasing light as it returns to its normal energy level. " physics energy Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share Loss of airspeed due to drag. Examples : "The model airplane's airspeed quickly decays after its motor stops, causing it to descend. " physics nautical sailing Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verb Download 🔗Share To cause to rot or deteriorate. Examples : "The leftover food in the refrigerator decays quickly if not properly stored. " biology environment nature process Chat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading