De·cay v. i. [imp. & p. p. Decayed p. pr. & vb. n. Decaying.] To pass gradually from a sound, prosperous, or perfect state, to one of imperfection, adversity, or dissolution; to waste away; to decline; to fail; to become weak, corrupt, or disintegrated; to rot; to perish; as, a tree decays; fortunes decay; hopes decay.
Ill fares the land, to hastening ills a prey,
Where wealth accumulates and men decay. --Goldsmith.
De·cayed a. Fallen, as to physical or social condition; affected with decay; rotten; as, decayed vegetation or vegetables; a decayed fortune or gentleman. -- De*cay*ed*ness n.
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decayed
adj 1: deteriorated by decay or rot; "decayed teeth"
2: damaged by decay; hence unsound and useless; "rotten floor
boards"; "rotted beams"; "a decayed foundation" [syn: rotten,
rotted]