Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Decompose

Decompose , transitive verb

[Compare French décomposer. Compare Discompose.]

To separate the constituent parts of; to resolve into original elements; to set free from previously existing forms of chemical combination; to bring to dissolution; to rot or decay.

Decompose , intransitive verb

To become resolved or returned from existing combinations; to undergo dissolution; to decay; to rot.