<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to separate or resolve into constituent parts or elements; disintegrate</li><li>The bacteria decomposed the milk into its solid and liquid elements.</li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li>analyze</li><li>fractionate</li><li>distill</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to rot; putrefy</li><li>The egg began to decompose after a day in the sun.</li></ul>