Dictionary-Definition.com :: Rotting definition

Definition of 'rotting'

noun

(biology) the process of decay caused by bacterial or fungal action [syn: decomposition, rot, rotting, putrefaction]

From: GCIDE

Rot \Rot\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Rotted; p. pr. & vb. n. Rotting.] [OE. rotien, AS. rotian; akin to D. rotten, Prov. G. rotten, OHG. rozz?n, G. r["o]sten to steep flax, Icel. rotna to rot, Sw. ruttna, Dan. raadne, Icel. rottin rotten. [root]117. Cf. Ret, Rotten.]
1. To undergo a process common to organic substances by which they lose the cohesion of their parts and pass through certain chemical changes, giving off usually in some stages of the process more or less offensive odors; to become decomposed by a natural process; to putrefy; to decay. [1913 Webster]
Fixed like a plant on his peculiar spot, To draw nutrition, propagate, and rot. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
2. Figuratively: To perish slowly; to decay; to die; to become corrupt. [1913 Webster]
Four of the sufferers were left to rot in irons. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
Rot, poor bachelor, in your club. --Thackeray. [1913 Webster]
Syn: To putrefy; corrupt; decay; spoil. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Retting \Ret"ting\, n.
1. The act or process of preparing flax for use by soaking, maceration, and kindred processes; -- also called rotting. See Ret. --Ure. [1913 Webster]
2. A place where flax is retted; a rettery. --Ure. [1913 Webster]