E20180310

E20180310 The worms decompose the rotting plants.   decompose   /ˌdiːkəmˈpoʊz/   verb 1 : to cause something (such as dead plants and the bodies of dead animals) to be slowly destroyed and broken down by natural processes, chemicals, etc. [+ object] Bacteria and fungi help decompose organic matter. partially decomposed bodies [no object] The wood on our deck is beginning to decompose. [=(less formally) rot] the smell of decomposing leaves Synonyms see: DECAY 2 technical : to cause something (such as a chemical) to be separated into smaller or simpler parts [+ object] decompose a chemical compound [no object] The compound will decompose in the presence of light. — decomposition /diˌkɑːmpəˈzɪʃən/ noun [noncount] The wood is already showing signs of decomposition. the decomposition of organic matter