decay
Pronunciation: de-ka'
Definition:
- Destruction of an organic substance by slow combustion or gradual oxidation.
- To deteriorate; to undergo slow combustion or putrefaction.
- In dentistry, caries.
- psychology loss of information registered by the senses and processed into short-term memory.
- Loss of radioactivity with time; spontaneous emission of radiation or charged particles or both from an unstable nucleus.
Synonym(s): putrefaction
[L. de, down, + cado, to fall]
See Also: memory
Disclaimer: This site is designed to offer information for general educational purposes only. The health information furnished on this site and the interactive responses are not intended to be professional advice and are not intended to replace personal consultation with a qualified physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. You must always seek the advice of a professional for questions related to a disease, disease symptoms, and appropriate therapeutic treatments.
Search Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Examples: glitazone, GI cocktail, etc.
© Copyright 2017 Wolters Kluwer. All Rights Reserved. Review Date: Sep 19, 2016.
