decay (noun)

См. также в других словарях:

• decay — [dɪˈkeɪ] verb 1) [I/T] to be gradually destroyed as a result of a natural process, or to destroy something in this way As dead trees decay, they feed the soil.[/ex] Too much sugar will decay your teeth.[/ex] 2) [I] if a building or an area decays …   Dictionary for writing and speaking English

• decay — /dəˈkeɪ/ (say duh kay) verb (i) 1. to fall away from a state of excellence, prosperity, health, etc.; deteriorate; decline. 2. to become decomposed; rot. 3. Physics a. (of a radioactive substance) to transform into a daughter product. b. (of an… …  

• decay constant — noun : the constant ratio of the number of radioactive atoms disintegrating in any specified short unit interval of time to the total number of atoms of the same kind still intact at the beginning of that interval * * * Physics. the reciprocal of …   Useful english dictionary

• decay heat — noun (nuclear eng) The heat produced by the radioactive decay of fission products formed in a nuclear reactor • • • Main Entry: ↑decay …   Useful english dictionary

• decay — ► VERB 1) rot through the action of bacteria and fungi. 2) decline in quality or vigour. 3) Physics (of a radioactive substance, particle, etc.) undergo change to a different form by emitting radiation. ► NOUN 1) the state or process of decaying …   English terms dictionary

• alpha decay — noun radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus that is accompanied by the emission of an alpha particle • Hypernyms: ↑decay, ↑radioactive decay, ↑disintegration * * * noun : the radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus by emission of an alpha particle …   Useful english dictionary

• decay — {{Roman}}I.{{/Roman}} noun ADJECTIVE ▪ rapid ▪ slow ▪ dental (esp. BrE), tooth ▪ industrial (esp. BrE), urban …   Collocations dictionary

• decay — 1 verb 1 (I, T) to be slowly destroyed by a natural chemical process, or to make something do this: The carcass was already starting to decay. 2 (intransitive often in progressive) if buildings, structures, or areas decay, their condition… …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

• beta decay — noun radioactive decay of an atomic nucleus that is accompanied by the emission of a beta particle • Hypernyms: ↑decay, ↑radioactive decay, ↑disintegration * * * ˈbeta decay 7 [beta decay] noun …   Useful english dictionary

• decay — I. verb Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo French decaïr, from Late Latin decadere to fall, sink, from Latin de + cadere to fall more at chance Date: 15th century intransitive verb 1. to decline from a sound or prosperous condition 2. to… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

• decay — [[t]dɪke͟ɪ[/t]] decays, decaying, decayed 1) VERB When something such as a dead body, a dead plant, or a tooth decays, it is gradually destroyed by a natural process. The bodies buried in the fine ash slowly decayed... [V ing] The ground was… …   English dictionary