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2 definitions found
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 :   [ gcide ]

  Decomposition \De*com`po*si"tion\, n. [Pref. de- (in sense 3
     intensive) + composition: cf. F. d['e]composition. Cf.
     Decomposition.]
     1. The act or process of resolving the constituent parts of a
        compound body or substance into its elementary parts;
        separation into constituent part; analysis; the decay or
        dissolution consequent on the removal or alteration of
        some of the ingredients of a compound; disintegration; as,
        the decomposition of wood, rocks, etc.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. The state of being reduced into original elements.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. Repeated composition; a combination of compounds. [Obs.]
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Decomposition of forces. Same as Resolution of forces,
        under Resolution.
  
     Decomposition of light, the division of light into the
        prismatic colors.
        [1913 Webster]

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) :   [ web1913 ]

  Decomposition \De*com`po*si"tion\, n. [Pref. de- (in sense 3
     intensive) + composition: cf. F. d['e]composition. Cf.
     Decomposition.]
     1. The act or process of resolving the constituent parts of a
        compound body or substance into its elementary parts;
        separation into constituent part; analysis; the decay or
        dissolution consequent on the removal or alteration of
        some of the ingredients of a compound; disintegration; as,
        the decomposition of wood, rocks, etc.
  
     2. The state of being reduced into original elements.
  
     3. Repeated composition; a combination of compounds. [Obs.]
  
     Decomposition of forces. Same as Resolution of forces,
        under Resolution.
  
     Decomposition of light, the division of light into the
        prismatic colors.

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