2 decay
Function:
nounMeaning:
[noncount] : the process or result of decaying: such as a : the process or result of being slowly destroyed by natural processes ▪ the decay of dead plants and leaves ▪ tooth decay b : the slow loss of strength, health, etc. ▪ She writes about the moral decay of our society. ▪ We're concerned about the decay [=deterioration] of our public school system. ▪ the patient's physical and mental decay c of a building, area, etc. : the process or result of going slowly from a bad condition to a worse condition ▪ The city's neighborhoods are in slow decay. ▪ She wants to restore an old theater that is falling into decay. [=falling into ruin]