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putrefaction |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Putrefaction \Pu`tre*fac"tion\, n. [L. putrefactio: cf F. putr['e]faction. See {Putrefy}.] 1. The act or the process of putrefying; the offensive decay of albuminous or other matter. Note: Putrefaction is a complex phenomenon involving a multiplicity of chemical reactions, always accompanied by and without doubt caused by bacteria and vibriones; hence putrefaction is a form of fermentation, and is sometimes called putrefaction fermentative. Putrefaction is not possible under conditions that preclude the development of living organisms. Many of the products of putrefaction are powerful poisons, and are called cadaveric poisons, or ptoma["i]nes. 2. The condition of being putrefied; also that which putrefied. ``Putrefaction's breath.'' --Shelley. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: putrefaction n 1: decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor [syn: {rot}] 2: decaying caused by bacterial or fungal action [syn: {decomposition}, {rot}, {rotting}]
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