Meaning
to decompose, break down
- to break something down into simpler constituents or elements
- to rot or decay (usually pronominal, decomporsi)
In a sentence
I batteri aiutano a decomporre la materia organica nel suolo.
Bacteria help decompose organic matter in the soil.
La plastica impiega centinaia di anni per decomporsi del tutto.
Plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose completely.
Il prisma decompone la luce bianca nei suoi colori fondamentali.
The prism breaks down white light into its fundamental colours.
Usage notes
- Conjugated like 'porre' (decompongo, decomposi, decomposto).
- Use the reflexive/pronominal form 'decomporsi' for organic matter rotting.