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# decomposition

noun (decomposition, uncountable)

«decomposition» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. (science) The natural breaking down of dead plants and animals into simpler things, by bacteria, fungi and worms; rotting. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/decomposition/#m1)
2. (maths) Breaking a number or shape into smaller parts (partitioning). [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/decomposition/#m2)
3. (science) The breaking of a substance into simpler substances by a chemical reaction. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/decomposition/#m3)

### In the lessons

In science: decomposition returns nutrients to the soil; decomposers such as fungi do it; compost heaps. In maths: number decomposition, like 47 = 40 + 7, or breaking a shape into rectangles to find area. In chemistry: thermal decomposition.

### Examples

- Fallen leaves turn into soil by decomposition. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/decomposition/#x1)
- Worms and fungi help decomposition. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/decomposition/#x2)
- Decomposition is faster when it is warm and damp. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/decomposition/#x3)
- Use decomposition: 36 = 30 + 6. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/decomposition/#x4)
- We used decomposition to find the area of the L-shape. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/decomposition/#x5)
- Heating some rocks causes thermal decomposition. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/decomposition/#x6)

### Note

Verb: decompose; decomposer is a living thing that breaks down dead matter. In maths, decomposition does not change the total: the parts add back to the whole. «Decomposition» in subtraction (UK) also means exchanging a ten for ten ones.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «decomposition» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/D/decomposition/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«decomposition» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/decomposition.html) on Mova free.