The process of breaking into small pieces or falling apart; decay or decomposition.
From Latin 'dis-' (apart) + 'integer' (untouched, whole) + '-tion' (process). The prefix 'dis-' means to reverse, so disintegration is the reversal of being whole.
In physics, radioactive disintegration releases enormous energy as atomic nuclei break apart—it's the source of nuclear power—yet the same word describes something as gentle as a cookie crumbling, showing how science and everyday life share the same vocabulary!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.