\Pu*tres"cent\, a. [L. putrescens, p. pr.of
putrescere to grow rotten, v. incho. fr. putrere to be
rotten. See {Putrid}.]
1. Becoming putrid or rotten.
         Externally powerful, although putrescent at the
         core.                                 --Motley.
2. Of or pertaining to the process of putrefaction; as, a
   putrescent smell.