Breaking down into simpler constituent parts, especially through bacterial action or chemical processes.
From Latin de- meaning 'down' or 'away' and componere meaning 'to put together.' The word entered English in the 18th century, initially used in chemistry before extending to biological decay processes.
Decomposition is nature's ultimate recycling program - what seems like an ending is actually a transformation that returns nutrients to the ecosystem. The same process that breaks down fallen leaves also created the rich soil that feeds new growth, making death an essential part of life's continuity.
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