putrefaction

[pyoo-truh-fak-shuh n] /ˌpyu trəˈfæk ʃən/
noun
1.
the act or process of putrefying; the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter by bacteria and fungi that results in obnoxiously odorous products; rotting.
2.
the state of being putrefied; decay.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English < Late Latin putrefactiōn- (stem of putrefactiō) a rotting, equivalent to Latin putrefact(us) (past participle of putrefacere to putrefy) + -iōn- -ion
Related forms
putrefactive, putrefacient
[pyoo-truh-fey-shuh nt] /ˌpyu trəˈfeɪ ʃənt/ (Show IPA), adjective
Examples from the web for putrefaction
  • It hinders and prevents fermentation, the souring of milk and the putrefaction of milk.
  • Here were gore-spattered battles and scenes of putrefaction and disease.
  • Damaged cells, through putrefaction, take the pressure off healthy cells allowing cell division or healing.
  • Neutral buffered formalin is used to stabilize protein in fresh tissue, and prevent autolysis and putrefaction.
Word Origin and History for putrefaction
n.

c.1400, from Old French putrefaction (14c.), from Latin putrefactionem (nominative putrefactio), noun of action from past participle stem of putrefacere "to make rotten," from putrere "to be rotten" (see putrid) + facere "to make, do" (see factitious).

putrefaction in Medicine

putrefaction pu·tre·fac·tion (pyōō'trə-fāk'shən)
n.

  1. Decomposition of organic matter, especially protein, by microorganisms, resulting in production of foul-smelling matter.

  2. Putrefied matter.

  3. The condition of being putrefied.