1. (v. t.) To separate the constituent parts of; to resolve into original elements; to set free from previously existing forms of chemical combination; to bring to dissolution; to rot or decay.
2. (v. i.) To become resolved or returned from existing combinations; to undergo dissolution; to decay; to rot.
Thesaurus Entries
ablate, anatomize, atomize, break down, break up, canker, come apart, consume, corrode, corrupt, crack up, crumble, crumble into dust, decay, deliquesce, disintegrate, disjoin, disorganize, dissect, dissolve, erode, fall into decay, fall to pieces, fester, fission, gangrene, go bad, go off, go to pieces, liquefy, melt, mildew, mold, molder, mortify, moulder, necrose, putrefy, putresce, rankle, resolve, rot, separate, sphacelate, split, spoil, suppurate, taint, take apart, turn, turn sour, waste away, wear away
