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decay process

[/dɪˈkeɪ ˈprɒsɛs/]
nounpl: decay processes
processo de decomposição
1. A series of physical or chemical changes in which organic matter or radioactive material gradually breaks down or deteriorates
The decay process of organic matter in soil takes several months.
O processo de decomposição da matéria orgânica no solo leva vários meses.
2. In physics, the transformation of a radioactive nucleus or particle into another form, releasing energy
Scientists study the radioactive decay process to understand nuclear reactions.
Os cientistas estudam o processo de decomposição radioativa para entender as reações nucleares.
3. The gradual deterioration or decline of something over time
The decay process of the old building was accelerated by lack of maintenance.
O processo de deterioração do edifício antigo foi acelerado pela falta de manutenção.
Synonyms
decompositiondegradationdeteriorationdisintegrationbreakdown
Antonyms
growthconstructionpreservationrestorationsynthesis

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
processo de decomposição
Most common usage in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
processo de apodrecimento
Regional variant emphasizing rotting aspect
São Paulo
processo de decaimento
Preferred in scientific contexts
Portugal
processo de degradação
Common in European Portuguese, particularly in technical contexts

Related Idioms & Phrases

advanced state of decay
in a state of decay
arrested decay
accelerated decay process
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