1. The process or result of breaking down or separating into component parts or simpler substances.
Usage: Plural form of decomposition; Commonly used in chemistry, biology, and mathematics
2. The decay or rotting of organic matter, especially the breakdown of dead organisms by bacteria and fungi.
Usage: Common in biology and ecology contexts
3. In mathematics, the expression of a number or function as a sum or product of simpler components.
Usage: Technical term used in algebra and analysis

Examples

• The decompositions of organic matter in the soil provide nutrients for plants.
• Scientists studied the chemical decompositions that occur during the reaction.
• The decompositions of complex numbers are useful in advanced mathematics.
• Bacterial decompositions break down dead leaves on the forest floor.
• The engineer analyzed the decompositions of the system into smaller modules.
• Different decompositions of the same compound can reveal its structure.