putrefaction
35 Views

GC: n

S: NCBI (last access: 6 January 2026); PL (last access: 6 January 2026)

N: 1. “process of decomposition of organic matter,” c. 1400, from Old French putrefaction (14c.), this from Latin putrefactionem (nominative putrefactio), noun of action from past-participle stem of putrefacere “to make rotten ,” from putrere “to be rotten” (see putrid) + facere “to make, do” (from PIE root *dhe- “to set, put”). By early 15c. as “that which is putrid or decomposed.” Putrification sometimes also is used. Related: Putrefactive.

2. That stage of decomposition, called putrefaction, may be fully realized only after several days. The breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and other compounds in the body, caused largely by bacteria and by insect larvae, produces gases that swell the abdomen and eventually break the skin, which draws other insects to the feast. Decomposition takes time. How much time may depend on such factors as the cause of death, the environmental conditions, or even the clothing on the body. Decomposition is “a continuous process,” explained forensic scientist M. Lee Goff to Medical News Today, “beginning at the point of death and ending when the body has been reduced to a skeleton.”

3. Microbiology and Parasitology; Ecology (General); Effects of Pollution: putrefaction.

  • The uncontrolled decomposition of organic matter due to anaerobic microbial action, with the production of offensive odour.
  • The anaerobic decomposition of sugars and other carbohydrates is called fermentation, and that of proteins is called putrefaction. … Putrefaction … makes water bubble with foul smells and makes it unlivable for fish or other oxygen-breathing animals. It may be regarded as the worst condition of bacterial pollution.

4. Cultural Interrelation: We can mention Forensic Toxicology, Principles and Concepts Second Edition: (2022) by Nicholas T. Lappas and Courtney M. Lappas.

S: 1. Etymonline (last access: 6 January 2026). 2. EncBrit (last access: 6 January 2026). 3 TERMIUM PLUS (last access: 6 January 2026) 4. ELSEVIER (last access: 6 January 2026).

SYN:
S:

CR: autopsy, biopsy, corpse, crime, forensic medicine forensics, forensic science, homicide, medical examiner, medicine, mummification, murder, thanatology.