Definition of PUTREFACTION

putrefaction

Meanings

Plural: putrefactions

Noun

  • a state of decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor
  • (biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action
  • moral perversion; impairment of virtue and moral principles
    • "Rome had fallen into moral putrefaction"
  • The act of causing to rot; the anaerobic splitting of proteins by bacteria and fungi with the formation of malodorous, incompletely oxidized products.
  • Rotten material.
  • The state of being rotten.

Origin / Etymology

First attested between 1350 and 1400 from Middle English putrefaccioun, from Old French putrefaccïon, from Latin putrefactiō, from putrefactus, perfect passive participle of putrefaciō (“become rotten”)

Scrabble Score: 19

putrefaction is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
putrefaction is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
putrefaction is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 23

putrefaction is a valid Words With Friends word