descomponer

to decompose

verb des-kohm-poh-NEHR Rare

Also means

to break down

Usage Note

Descomponer is an irregular verb conjugated like poner (first-person singular: descompongo). It covers both physical decay (la carne se descompone — the meat decomposes) and mathematical or chemical breakdown (descomponer en factores — to factor). Descomponerse reflexively also means to break down or malfunction (a machine).

Examples

"El calor hace que la comida se descomponga rápido."

Natural Translation

The heat makes food decompose quickly.

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