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| NOUN |
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| /dɪˈkeɪ/ |
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| 1 | the gradual destruction of something as a result of a natural process of change 腐烂；腐败 |
| Bacteria cause the decay of dead plants and animals. 细菌使死去的植物和动物腐烂。 |
| Sweets cause tooth decay. 糖果会引起蛀牙。 |
| | 1a | the part of something that has gradually been destroyed 腐烂部分 | |
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| 2 | the process by which a building or area gradually gets into a worse state because it has not been looked after （因疏于照管而）逐渐毁坏，破损 |
| urban decay 城市的破损 |
| fall into decay (=get into a worse state) The farmhouse fell into disuse and decay. 衰败；破败 |
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| 3 | the process of becoming gradually worse in quality , or weaker in power or influence 衰退；衰败 |
| the social and moral decay of the country 该国的社会和道德沦丧 |
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