D defs.my
Entry 3 senses Webster, 1913

Decomposition

/dēkˌ-əm-pōz-ĭsh'-ən/ · De·com·po·si·tion · IPA /diːˌkɒmpəˈzɪʃən/
01 n. The act or process of resolving the constituent parts of a compound body or substance into its elementary parts; separation into constituen…
  1. 1.
    The act or process of resolving the constituent parts of a compound body or substance into its elementary parts; separation into constituent part; analysis; the decay or dissolution consequent on the removal or alteration of some of the ingredients of a compound; disintegration; as, the decomposition of wood, rocks, etc.
  2. 2.
    The state of being reduced into original elements.
  3. 3.
    Repeated composition; a combination of compounds.[Obs.]
Phrases & compounds
Decomposition of forces — Same as Resolution of forces, under Resolution.
Decomposition of light — the division of light into the prismatic colors.