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

putrefaction \pu`trefac"tion\, n. l. putrefactio: cf. f.
   putr'efaction. see putrefy.
   1. the act or the process of putrefying; the offensive decay
      of albuminous or other matter.
      1913 webster

   note: putrefaction is a complex phenomenon involving a
         multiplicity of chemical reactions, always accompanied
         by, and without doubt caused by, bacteria and
         vibriones; hence, putrefaction is a form of
         fermentation, and is sometimes called putrefaction
         fermentative. putrefaction is not possible under
         conditions that preclude the development of living
         organisms. many of the products of putrefaction are
         powerful poisons, and are called cadaveric poisons, or
         ptoma"ines.
         1913 webster

   2. the condition of being putrefied; also, that which
      putrefied. "putrefaction's breath." --shelley.
      1913 webster
see also:
putrefy 

[2] : WordNet (r) 2.0

putrefaction
     n 1: decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor syn: rot
     2: biology decaying caused by bacterial or fungal action
        syn: decomposition, rot, rotting
see also:
rot decomposition rotting 

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

22 moby thesaurus words for "putrefaction":
   caries, carrion, decay, decomposition, dry rot, foulness, gangrene,
   mortification, necrosis, putrescence, putridity, putridness,
   rancidity, rancidness, rankness, rot, rottenness, slough,
   sphacelation, sphacelus, spoilage, tooth decay

Putrefaction >> P Words
Putrefaction, definition of term: Putrefaction
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