decay /diˈkei/ I.vi.& vt. 1. 腐烂，腐坏: The fruit decayed in the damp weather. 在潮湿的天气水果腐烂了。Sugar can decay the teeth. 糖能使牙齿腐坏。2.衰坏，衰退: Our powers decay in old age. 我们的体力在老年时期衰退。What caused the Roman Empire to decay? 罗马帝国衰亡的原因何在? ‖II. n. ［u］ 1. 腐烂，腐朽：tooth decay 牙齿龋蚀；fall into decay 衰败；塌坏，年久失修Neglect has accelerated this building’s decay. 这幢大楼因被疏忽而损坏得更快了。 2.衰退，衰减：mental decay精神衰退；decay of morals 道德的颓废 Old civilizations may fall into decay.古老的文明可能要衰退。