[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

decomposition \decom`posi"tion\, n. pref. de- in sense 3
   intensive + composition: cf. f. d'ecomposition. cf.
   decomposition.
   1. the act or process of resolving the constituent parts of a
      compound body or substance into its elementary parts;
      separation into constituent part; analysis; the decay or
      dissolution consequent on the removal or alteration of
      some of the ingredients of a compound; disintegration; as,
      the decomposition of wood, rocks, etc.
      1913 webster

   2. the state of being reduced into original elements.
      1913 webster

   3. repeated composition; a combination of compounds. obs.
      1913 webster

   decomposition of forces. same as resolution of forces,
      under resolution.

   decomposition of light, the division of light into the
      prismatic colors.
      1913 webster
see also:
decomposition decomposition of forces resolution of forces resolution decomposition of light 

[2] : WordNet (r) 2.0

decomposition
     n 1: the analysis of a vector field syn: vector decomposition
     2: in a decomposed state syn: disintegration
     3: chemistry separation of a substance into two or more
        substances that may differ from each other and from the
        original substance syn: decomposition reaction
     4: the organic phenomenon of rotting syn: decay
     5: biology decaying caused by bacterial or fungal action
        syn: rot, rotting, putrefaction
see also:
vector decomposition disintegration decomposition reaction decay rot rotting 
putrefaction 

[3] : Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0

48 moby thesaurus words for "decomposition":
   ablation, atomization, biodegradability, biodegradation, breakup,
   caries, carrion, corrosion, corruption, crumbling, decay,
   degradability, degradation, dilapidation, disintegration,
   disjunction, disorganization, dissolution, dry rot, erosion,
   foulness, gangrene, incoherence, mildew, mold, mortification,
   necrosis, oxidation, oxidization, putrefaction, putrescence,
   putridity, putridness, rancidity, rancidness, rankness,
   ravages of time, resolution, rot, rottenness, rust, slough,
   sphacelation, sphacelus, spoilage, tooth decay, wear,
   wear and tear

Decomposition >> D Words
Decomposition, definition of term: Decomposition
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