decompose
UK: ˌdiːkəmˈpəʊz | US: ˌdiːkəmˈpoʊz
vt. to break down or separate into smaller or simpler components
vi. to decay or rot (organic matter)
The word "decompose" originates from Latin roots, combining de- (undoing) + com- (together) + ponere (to place). It originally described the act of "undoing a composition" or breaking something down into its constituent parts. Over time, it gained a biological sense, referring to the natural breakdown of organic matter. The logic reflects a reversal (de-) of putting things together (compose).
Bacteria help decompose dead leaves in the forest.
The chemist used heat to decompose the compound into simpler elements.
Over time, plastic waste does not decompose easily in nature.
The team will decompose the problem into smaller tasks.
Organic matter starts to decompose when exposed to moisture.