putrefaction

[ pyoo-truh-fak-shuh n ]
/ ˌpyu trəˈfæk ʃən /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR putrefaction ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act or process of putrefying; the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter by bacteria and fungi that results in obnoxiously odorous products; rotting.
the state of being putrefied; decay.

Origin of putrefaction

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin putrefactiōn- (stem of putrefactiō) a rotting, equivalent to Latin putrefact(us) (past participle of putrefacere to putrefy) + -iōn- -ion

OTHER WORDS FROM putrefaction

pu·tre·fac·tive, pu·tre·fa·cient [pyoo-truh-fey-shuh nt] /ˌpyu trəˈfeɪ ʃənt/, adjective

Words nearby putrefaction

putnam, putnam-dana syndrome, putoff, putonghua, putrajaya, putrefaction, putrefactive, putrefy, putrescence, putrescent, putrescible

Words related to putrefaction

ruination, dilapidation, putrescence, dissolution, adulteration, decrease, extinction, disintegration, fading, decadence, decline, mortification, senescence, consumption, rot, ruin, downfall, decomposition, blight, impairment

Example sentences from the Web for putrefaction

Medical definitions for putrefaction

putrefaction
[ pyōō′trə-făk′shən ]

n.

Decomposition of organic matter, especially protein, by microorganisms, resulting in production of foul-smelling matter.
Putrefied matter.
The condition of being putrefied.