'decomposition' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'decompositio,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'compositio' meant 'putting together.'

'decompositio' transformed into the French word 'décomposition,' and eventually became the modern English word 'decomposition' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'the act of putting down or breaking apart,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'breaking down organic material.'