1. breaks down or decays into simpler parts or elements
Usage: third person singular present tense of decompose
2. separates something into its component parts for analysis
Usage: technical or scientific contexts

Examples

• The fallen log slowly decomposes on the forest floor.
• Bacteria decomposes organic matter in the compost pile.
• The scientist decomposes the compound to study its elements.
• Heat decomposes the chemical into simpler substances.
• The body naturally decomposes after death.
• The mathematician decomposes the complex equation into parts.