as in decomposition
the process by which dead organic matter separates into simpler substances
in the days before refrigeration, spoilage was a constant problem
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Recent Examples of spoilage
The hot, dry air these vents emit throughout the day can damage or warp certain items, cause food spoilage, and turn flammable items placed near heat vents into fire hazards.
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Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2024
Curing, often using nitrates and nitrites — preservatives that prevent spoilage and preserve meat’s pinkish color — and salt, is one of the more common ways food manufacturers extend the life of modern cold cuts.
—Keren Landman, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Keeping Beverages Safe With Heat In the 1860s, French microbiologist Louis Pasteur discovered that heating wine and beer killed the organisms that caused spoilage, which then was a significant problem in France.
—Kerry E. Kaylegian, Discover Magazine, 6 Dec. 2024
Best Last-Minute Cyber Monday Beauty Deals at Dyson Dyson sales are few and far between, save for the spoilage we get served during Cyber Monday.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spoilage 
Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2024
Curing, often using nitrates and nitrites — preservatives that prevent spoilage and preserve meat’s pinkish color — and salt, is one of the more common ways food manufacturers extend the life of modern cold cuts.
—Keren Landman, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
Keeping Beverages Safe With Heat In the 1860s, French microbiologist Louis Pasteur discovered that heating wine and beer killed the organisms that caused spoilage, which then was a significant problem in France.
—Kerry E. Kaylegian, Discover Magazine, 6 Dec. 2024
Best Last-Minute Cyber Monday Beauty Deals at Dyson Dyson sales are few and far between, save for the spoilage we get served during Cyber Monday.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spoilage
Thesaurus Entries Near spoilage
Cite this Entry
“Spoilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spoilage. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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