Verb

Decay generally refers to the natural process of breaking down or losing effectiveness over time. It can be used in various contexts, including:

1. Physics: Decay refers to the spontaneous transformation of a radioactive substance into one or more different substances by emitting particles or electromagnetic radiation.
2. Biology: Decay refers to the natural process of decomposition or rotting of organic matter, such as plants, animals, or other biological materials, by the action of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.
3. Chemistry: Decay refers to the deterioration or loss of the physical and chemical properties of a substance over time, which can result from exposure to light, heat, moisture, or other environmental factors.
4. Mathematics: Decay refers to the gradual decrease of a quantity or value over time, such as the exponential decay of radioactive isotopes, the decay of financial assets, or the decay of the intensity of light or sound as it travels through a medium.

In all of these contexts, decay represents a natural and irreversible process of deterioration or loss of energy, mass, value, or quality over time.

Example

1. The abandoned house showed clear signs of decay, with its cracked walls, peeling paint, and overgrown vegetation.
2. The food left in the fridge for too long began to decay and emit a foul odor, indicating that it was no longer safe to eat.
3. The dentist recommended filling the cavity in the patient's tooth to prevent further decay and damage to the tooth.