pourriture

rot, decay

noun poo-ree-TYUR Rare

Also means

rotten person (insult)

Usage Note

Pourriture describes biological decay or rot in fruit, wood, or flesh, and is also used as a harsh insult for a corrupt or despicable person. The related adjective pourri (rotten) is extremely common and appears in expressions like temps pourri (rotten weather).

Examples

"L'odeur de pourriture venait de la cave."

Natural Translation

The smell of rot came from the cellar.

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