To make or become spoiled.
Decomposition of organic matter.
The decomposition of organic substances by bacteria, making an unpleasant smell.
Breakdown of proteins by bacteria, usually causing an unpleasant odor.
The process whereby proteins are decomposed by bacteria. This is accompanied by the formation of amines (such as putrescine and cadaverine) having a strong and very unpleasant smell.
The change that takes place in the bodies of plants and animals after death, whereby they are ultimately reduced to carbonic acid gas, ammonia, and other simple substances. The change is almost entirely due to the action of bacteria, and, in the course of the process, various offensive and poisonous intermediate substances are formed.
Decomposition of animal matter,. especially protein associated with malodorous and poisonous products such as the ptomaines, mercaptans, and hydrogen sulfide, caused by certain kinds of bacteria and fungi. Decomposition that occurs in previously sterile tissue after death (carried out by normal flora) is called autolysis.