verb / noun
rot
RAHT/rɑːt/
Decomposition that breaks down organic material.
The fallen apples rot on the damp ground beneath the tree.
Etymology
Old English rotian already described natural decomposition in animal substances and vegetable matter. The modern verb retains this concrete sense of organic decay.
In context
food is being left to rot for eight weeks in our own unique laboratory this is an investigation into nature's biggest and best recycler decay
More examples
- The carpenter finds rot in the wooden porch beams.
- Several potatoes have rotted at the bottom of the bag.
- Wet leaves are rotting in the compost pile.
Forms
rot · rots · rotted · rotting
rotten adjective — Decayed or damaged by natural decomposition.