decay
verb [I or T] /dɪˈkeɪ/Definition
B2 to (cause something to) become gradually damaged, worse, or less: Sugar makes your teeth decay. The role of the extended family has been decaying for some time. Pollution has decayed the surface of the stonework on the front of the cathedral. the smell of decaying meatDecaying and staying freshDeteriorating and making worse
(Definition of decay verb from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus
© Cambridge University Press)
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Synonyms and related words:
- best-before date noun
- biodegradable adjective
- biodegrade verb
- decay noun
- decompose verb
- molder verb
- out of date adjective (FOOD)
- perish verb (DECAY)
- perishable adjective
- pull date noun
- putrefaction noun
- putrefy verb
- rack noun (DECAY)
- rotten adjective
- seed noun (PLANT)
- sell-by date noun
- shrivel verb
- spoil verb (DESTROY)
- withered adjective
- wormy adjective
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Decaying and staying fresh
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