noun

putrefaction

pyoo-trih-FAK-shun/ˌpjuːtrɪˈfækʃn/

The decay of organic matter that produces a foul smell.

Putrefaction gives the cabbage's mushy, brown leaves a foul smell.

Discarded cabbage decays in compost with mushy browned leaves and subtle odor wisps, botanical decay only.

Etymology

putreLatinto be rotten

+factLatinto make, do

+ionLatinaction or process

The roots describe “making rotten,” and the action noun names the process of decomposition. The foul-smelling aspect fits the connection between Latin putrere, “to rot,” and putere, “to stink.”

In context

NutritionFacts.org5:22

This degradation of undigested protein in the colon is called putrefaction, so a little meat can actually end up putrefying in our colon.

Food as Medicine: Preventing and Treating the Most Common Diseases with Diet

More examples

Refrigeration slows putrefaction in meat.
A foul odor from the sealed bin signals putrefaction.
Bacteria drive putrefaction as they break down organic matter.

Forms

putrefaction

putrefy verb — To decay and produce a foul smell.

putrid adjective — Decayed and giving off a foul smell.

Similar words

decomposition: A broader term for organic breakdown, with or without odor.
decay: A broader term for deterioration, not necessarily involving foul smells.