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.
    4. Decomposition of forces .
    Same as Resolution of forces, under Resolution.
    Decomposition of light ,
    the division of light into the prismatic colors.