decomposing

Verb

decompose (third-person singular simple present decomposes, present participle decomposing, simple past and past participle decomposed)

1. (transitive) To separate or break down (something) into its components.
   • Various fungi can decompose wood.

   Synonyms:

   disintegrate, fragment

   Antonyms:

   compose, assemble, recompose

2. (intransitive) To rot, decay or putrefy.
   • Plastics can take centuries to decompose.

   Synonyms:

   break down