verb

(of organic matter) rot or decompose through the action of bacteria and fungi.

the body had begun to decay

decompose,rot,putrefy,go bad,go off,spoil,fester,perish,deteriorate,degrade,break down,break up,moulder,shrivel,shrivel up,wither,mortify,necrotize,sphacelate,corrupt

noun

the state or process of rotting or decomposition.

hardwood is more resistant to decay than softwood

decomposition,rotting,going bad,putrefaction,putrescence,putridity,festering,spoilage,perishing,withering,shrivelling,rot,mould,mildew,fungus,corruption,corrosion,corroding,caries,cavities,holes,cariosity