putrefaction
Flesh becoming foul
Putrefaction is the decomposition of organic matter, especially flesh, by bacteria and fungi.
The process produces foul odors and is associated with death and decay: The body had reached an advanced stage of putrefaction.
Figuratively, putrefaction describes moral or social rot: the putrefaction of political institutions.
Organic breakdown process
- rottennessState of decay
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- souringBecoming acidic or hostile
- molderingSlowly decomposing over time
tainting · contamination · perishing · festering · rancidity · curdling · offness · spoiled
Powerfully offensive odor
- malodorUnpleasant, offensive smell
- reekEmit strong odor
- fetidHaving foul odor
- rankPosition in hierarchy
miasma · noisome · foulness · sulfide · ammonia · nauseating · offensive · repulsive
Breakdown into simpler parts
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- anaerobicNot requiring oxygen
- necrosisLocalized cell death
- gangreneTissue death from bloodlessness
autolysis · proteolysis · enzymatic · hydrolysis · microorganisms · biodegradation · microbial · pathology
Deceased human body
- carcassSlaughtered animal's body
- carrionPutrefying animal remains
- cadaverBody for dissection
- remainsContinues in place
flesh · tissue · body · bloating · liquefaction · skeletonization · sloughing · maggots
Dishonest abuse of power
- moral decayDecline in ethical standards
- degradationDecline in condition
- decadenceMoral decline through excess
- deteriorationProcess of declining quality
depravity · rottenness · festering · taint · blight · canker · pollution · debasement
rot
Organic breakdown process
- rottennessState of decay
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- souringBecoming acidic or hostile
moldering · tainting · contamination · perishing · festering · rancidity · curdling · offness · spoiled · tainted
stench
Powerfully offensive odor
rank · miasma · noisome · foulness · sulfide · ammonia · nauseating · offensive · repulsive · rancid
decomposition
Breakdown into simpler parts
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- anaerobicNot requiring oxygen
- necrosisLocalized cell death
gangrene · autolysis · proteolysis · enzymatic · hydrolysis · microorganisms · biodegradation · microbial · pathology · sepsis
corpse
Deceased human body
remains · flesh · tissue · body · bloating · liquefaction · skeletonization · sloughing · maggots · blowflies
corruption
Dishonest abuse of power
- moral decayDecline in ethical standards
- degradationDecline in condition
- decadenceMoral decline through excess
deterioration · depravity · rottenness · festering · taint · blight · canker · pollution · debasement · decline
- decayrot, decay rate, wilt, crumble, decomposition
- deterioratedecay, rot, deteriorate, decompose, corrode
- Deteriorationdecay, rot, degradation, deterioration, corrosion
- filthdirt, grime, dirty, filthy, muck
- food spoilagerot, mold growth, spoilage, rancidity, staleness
- spoilagerotten, stale, moldy, rotting, spoiled
putrefactiongrowth
Increase in size
regeneration · life · anabolism · development · maturation
putrefactionpreservation
Maintaining something's condition
conservation · freshness · mummification · embalming · curing
putrefactionpurification
Removal of contaminants
incorruption · cleansing · sanitation · sterilization · disinfection