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descomposición

des-kom-po-see-syondeskomposiˈθjon

decomposition, decay

Also: rot
NounfB1
A single fallen brown autumn leaf on green grass with small bits breaking away to show natural decay.

📝 In Action

La descomposición de las hojas ayuda a nutrir el suelo.

B1

The decomposition of leaves helps nourish the soil.

El calor acelera la descomposición de la carne.

B1

Heat speeds up the decay of meat.

Estudiamos el proceso de descomposición orgánica en la escuela.

B2

We studied the process of organic decomposition at school.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • putrefacción (rotting)
  • degradación (degradation)

Antonyms

  • conservación (preservation)

Common Collocations

  • materia en descomposición – decaying matter
  • estado de descomposición – state of decay

breakdown, analysis

Also: splitting
NounfB2formal
A colorful toy wooden car separated into its basic parts: wheels, chassis, and body, laid out neatly.

📝 In Action

Vimos la descomposición de la luz a través de un prisma.

B2

We saw the breakdown of light through a prism.

La descomposición de factores es un tema clave en álgebra.

C1

Factorization (breakdown of factors) is a key topic in algebra.

Necesitamos una descomposición detallada de los gastos.

B2

We need a detailed breakdown of the expenses.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • análisis (analysis)
  • desglose (breakdown/itemization)

Antonyms

  • composición (composition)
  • síntesis (synthesis)

Common Collocations

  • descomposición factorial – prime factorization
  • descomposición de la luz – splitting of light

stomach upset

Also: diarrhea
NounfB1
SpainLatin America
A person sitting on a chair holding their stomach with a worried expression and a glass of water on a nearby table.

📝 In Action

Tengo un poco de descomposición hoy.

B1

I have a bit of a stomach upset today.

El agua del grifo me causó descomposición.

B1

The tap water gave me a stomach upset.

Es una descomposición leve, no te preocupes.

A2

It's a mild stomach upset, don't worry.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • tener descomposición – to have a stomach upset

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "descomposición" in Spanish:

decomposition→rot→splitting→stomach upset→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: descomposición

Question 1 of 3

If someone says 'Tengo descomposición,' what do they likely need?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
descomponer(to break down / to rot) — Verb
descompuesto(broken / upset / rotten) — Adjective
composición(composition) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
canciónatención
📚 Etymology▼

From the prefix 'des-' (meaning 'un-' or 'undoing') combined with 'composición' (putting together). It traces back to the Latin 'componere'.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: decompositionFrench: décomposition

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'descomposición' mean a computer is broken?

Not usually. For a broken machine, we use the verb 'estropearse' or say it is 'estropeado'. 'Descomposición' refers more to natural decay or medical stomach issues.

Is it 'el' or 'la' descomposición?

It is always 'la'. Almost all Spanish nouns ending in -ción are feminine.

How do I say 'rotting' as an action?

While 'descomposición' is the noun (the process), you would use the verb 'descomponerse' to describe something that is currently rotting.