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To be subdued; to decay, as appetites, desires, etc.

Consisting of mud or earth; gross; impure. This muddy vesture of decay. Shak.

A poisonous amido acid, C6H13NO2, separated by Brieger from decaying horseflesh. In physiological action, it is similar to curare.

and often separated as a distinct phylum (Myxophyta). They are found on damp earth and decaying vegetable matter, and consist of naked masses of protoplasm, often of considerable size, which creep very slowly over the surface and ingest solid food. -- Myx`o*my*ce"tous (#), a.

a nontoxic base, C5H14N2, found in the putrescent matters of flesh, fish, decaying cheese, etc.

ng in efforescences on old walls, and in limestone caves, especially where there exists decaying animal matter.

Nourishing; promoting growth, or preventing decay; alimental. -- Nu*tri"tious*ly, adv. -- Nu*tri"tious*ness, n.

A genus of minute fungi which form a floccose mass of filaments on decaying fruit, etc. Many forms once referred to this genus are now believed to be temporary conditions of fungi of other genera, among them the vine mildew (Oïdium Tuckeri), which has caused much injury to grapes.

Liable to perish; subject to decay, destruction, or death; as, perishable goods; our perishable bodies.

The quality or state of being perishable; liability to decay or destruction. Locke.

d, and earnest devotion to his service. Piety is the only proper and adequate relief of decaying man. Rambler.

Spirit; courage; indomitable resolution; fortitude. Decay of English spirit, decay of manly pluck. Thackeray.

y substance is reduced by pounding, grinding, or triturating, or into which it falls by decay; dust. Grind their bones to powder small. Shak.

timely; as, a premature fall of snow; a premature birth; a premature opinion; premature decay.

ng, or keeping safe; the state of being preserved, or kept from injury, destruction, or decay; security; safety; as, preservation of life, fruit, game, etc.; a picture in good preservation. Give us particulars of thy preservation. Shak.

Having the power or quality of preserving; tending to preserve, or to keep from injury, decay, etc.

ratus, in which perishable things, as fruit, vegetables, etc., can be preserved without decay.

To save from decay by the use of some preservative substance, as sugar, salt, etc.; to season and prepare for remaining in a good state, as fruits, meat, etc.; as, to preserve peaches or grapes. You can not preserve it from tainting. Shak.

One who, or that which, preserves, saves, or defends, from destruction, injury, or decay; esp., one who saves the life or character of another. Shak.

Wood so decayed as to be dry, crumbly, and useful for tinder; touchwood.