Decomposition
Pronunciation : De*com`po*si"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [Pref. de- (in sense 3 intensive) + composition: cf. F. d?composition. Cf. Decomposition.]
Definition : 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. The state of being reduced into original elements.
3. Repeated composition; a combination of compounds. [Obs.] Decomposition of forces. Same as Resolution of forces, under Resolution. -- Decomposition of light, the division of light into the prismatic colors.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913