Decomposition /(?)/

De·com·po·si·tion

Decomposition

n.
  1. The act or process of resolving the constituent parts of a compound body or substance into its elementary parts; separation into constituent part; analysis; the decay or dissolution consequent on the removal or alteration of some of the ingredients of a compound; disintegration; as, the decomposition of wood, rocks, etc.
  2. The state of being reduced into original elements.
  3. Repeated composition; a combination of compounds. [Obs.]

Phrases & Compounds
Decomposition of forces
Same as Resolution of forces, under Resolution.
Decomposition of light
the division of light into the prismatic colors.