noun · academic
decomposition
UK/ˌdiːkəmˈpəʊzɪʃ(ə)n/US/ˌdiːkəmˈpoʊzɪʃən/de·com·PO·si·tion
the process by which organic matter is broken down into simpler substances by organisms or chemical processes
Examples
“Warm, moist conditions accelerate the decomposition of leaf litter.”
“Decomposition releases nutrients that plants can reuse.”
“Microorganisms play a key role in the decomposition of organic waste.”
Band 8 sentence
“The rate of decomposition in tropical forests is rapid, which contributes to nutrient cycling but not to long-term carbon storage.”
Collocations
- rate of decomposition
- accelerate decomposition
- decomposer organisms
Word family
Common mistakes
the leaves compose quickly→the leaves decompose quickly
decomposition on the soil→decomposition in the soil
Say it for a higher band
5decay→6rot→7+decomposition
Synonyms
decay
Easily confused
decay
“The decomposition of organic matter is slower in cold climates than the decay observed in tropical forests.”
Related words
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In Nature & Animals
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