decay

1. V-I When something such as a dead body, a dead plant, or a tooth decays, it is gradually destroyed by a natural process. 腐壞

The bodies buried in the fine ash slowly decayed. 埋在細灰裡的屍躰慢慢腐爛了。

2. N-UNCOUNT Decay is also a noun. 腐壞

When not removed, plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease. 牙斑沒有清除就會導致蛀牙和牙齦疾病。

3. decayedADJ 腐壞的

Even young children have teeth so decayed they need to be pulled. 連幼兒也有這麽嚴重的齲齒，需要拔掉。

4. V-I If something such as a society, system, or institution decays, it gradually becomes weaker or its condition gets worse. (社會、制度或機搆) 衰敗

In practice, the agency system has decayed. Most "agents" now sell only to themselves or their immediate family. 實際上，這種代理制已經衰退。現在，大多數“代理人”都衹把産品賣給自己或親近的家人。

5. N-UNCOUNT Decay is also a noun. 衰敗

There are problems of urban decay and gang violence. 存在都市衰敗和黑幫暴力問題。