\De*com`po*si"tion\, n. [Pref. de- (in sense 3
intensive) + composition: cf. F. d['e]composition. Cf.
{Decomposition}.]
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.]
{Decomposition of forces}. Same as {Resolution of forces},
   under {Resolution}.
{Decomposition of light}, the division of light into the
   prismatic colors.