decomposition
(diːkɒmpəˈzɪʃən)
[n. of action f. decompound and decompose, with the respective senses of the prefix in these words: cf. decomposite. Mod.F. has décomposition in sense 2, of date 1694 in Acad. Dict., whence perhaps the English uses.
For the adventitious association of compose and composition, see these words.]
I. Allied to decomposite: with de- I. 5.
† 1. Further composition or compounding; compounding of things already composite. (Cf. decomplex, decompound.) Obs.
| 1659 O. Walker Instruct. Oratory 52 The English..hath an elegant way of expressing them [Epithets]..in a dexterous decomposition of two, or three words together. As: Tast-pleasing-fruits. 1674 Boyle Corpusc. Philos. 11 The almost innumerable diversifications, that compositions and decompositions may make of a small number, not perhaps exceeding twenty, of distinct things. 1690 Locke Hum. Und. iv. iv. §9 The many Decompositions that go to the making up the complex Ideas of those modes. |
II. Allied to decompose: with de- I. 6.
2. The action or process of decomposing, separation or resolution (of anything) into its constituent elements. a. Used of the separation of substances into their chemical elements, of light into the prismatic colours. decomposition of forces, in Dynamics = resolution of forces.
| 1762 Univ. Mag. Jan. 12 If then the vinegar be used for precipitating it, there will be scarce any further decomposition of this magistery. 1794 G. Adams Nat. & Exp. Philos. IV. xli. 119 The decomposition of forces into parallelograms. 1800 tr. Lagrange's Chem. I. 53 Hydrogen gas..is always produced in the greatest purity by the decomposition of water. 1828 Hutton Course Math. II. 142 Called the decomposition, or the resolution of forces. 1831 Brewster Optics vii. 66 In the decomposition and recomposition of white light. 1860 Thomson in Bowen Logic x. 348 Chemistry..the science of the decomposition and combinations of the various substances that compose and surround the earth. |
b. The natural dissolution of compound bodies; disintegration; the process or condition of organic decay; putrescence.
| 1777 Priestley Mat. & Spir. (1782) I. xvii. 200 Death, with its..dispersion of parts, is only a decomposition. 1794 Sullivan View Nat. I. 77 This ancient rocky substance, and the sand produced by its decomposition. 1845 Darwin Voy. Nat. (1852) 164, I am inclined to consider that the phosphorescence is the result of the decomposition of the organic particles. 1865 Lubbock Preh. Times iv. (1869) 91 The bones were in such a state of decomposition, that the ribs and vertebræ crumbled into dust. |
c. fig. of immaterial things.
| 1762–71 H. Walpole Vertue's Anecd. Paint. (1786) I. 81 Allegoric personages are a poor decomposition of human nature. 1793 Burke Policy of Allies Wks. 1842 I. 599 In France..in the decomposition of society. 1874 Sayce Compar. Philol. vi. 240 It is very possible that the Aryan roots are capable of still further decomposition. |
Hence decompoˈsitionist, an advocate or supporter of decomposition, e.g. that of an empire, confederation, etc.
| 1849 Tait's Mag. XVI. 756 ‘But,’ say the decompositionists, ‘we seek not the destruction of this empire—we agitate not for its abolition.’ |