rotting
UK: ˈrɒtɪŋ | US: ˈrɑːtɪŋ
vi. the process of decaying or decomposing, especially organic matter
adj. undergoing decay; becoming rotten
The word "rotting" derives from the Old English "rotian," meaning "to decay," which is of Germanic origin. The root "rot" has retained its core meaning of decomposition over centuries. The suffix "-ing" is a productive English morpheme used to form present participles or gerunds, indicating an ongoing process. Together, "rotting" vividly describes the continuous action of decay, often applied to organic materials like food or wood.
The pile of leaves was slowly rotting in the damp forest.
You can smell the rotting fruit from across the room.
Without proper preservation, the meat will start rotting within days.
The old wooden fence is rotting away due to constant rain.
Scientists study the bacteria involved in the rotting process.