Taber's Medical Dictionary
decay
(dē-kā′ )
To hear audio pronunciation of this topic, purchase a subscription or log in.[″ + cadere, to fall, die]
1. Gradual loss of vigor with physical and mental deterioration as may occur in aging.
2. To waste away.
3. Decomposition of organic matter by the action of microorganisms.
SEE: caries
4. Disintegration of radioactive substances.
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Citation
Venes, Donald, editor. "Decay." Taber's Medical Dictionary, 25th ed., F.A. Davis Company, 2025. Taber's Online, www.tabers.com/tabersonline/view/Tabers-Dictionary/751859/all/decay.
Decay. In: Venes DD, ed. Taber's Medical Dictionary. F.A. Davis Company; 2025. https://www.tabers.com/tabersonline/view/Tabers-Dictionary/751859/all/decay. Accessed April 3, 2026.
Decay. (2025). In Venes, D. (Ed.), Taber's Medical Dictionary (25th ed.). F.A. Davis Company. https://www.tabers.com/tabersonline/view/Tabers-Dictionary/751859/all/decay
Decay [Internet]. In: Venes DD, editors. Taber's Medical Dictionary. F.A. Davis Company; 2025. [cited 2026 April 03]. Available from: https://www.tabers.com/tabersonline/view/Tabers-Dictionary/751859/all/decay.
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