décomposer

to decompose, break down

verb deh-kohm-poh-ZEH Rare

Usage Note

Décomposer is used in chemistry and biology for organic decay, but also analytically — décomposer un problème means to break a problem down into parts. The reflexive se décomposer also means to become visibly shaken: son visage s'est décomposé describes someone's face falling in horror or shock.

Examples

"La matière organique se décompose lentement."

Natural Translation

Organic matter decomposes slowly.

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