Meaning 1neutral · 82%
A process in which something gradually loses its structure or internal cohesion.
Natural examples
Der Zerfall der alten Mauer beschleunigte sich nach dem Winter.
The old wall’s decay accelerated after winter.
Der radioaktive Zerfall setzt Energie frei.
Radioactive decay releases energy.
Der Zerfall des Bündnisses führte zu neuen politischen Grenzen.
The alliance’s collapse led to new political borders.
Usage note
Zerfall is masculine. In the sense of decay or disintegration it is usually singular-only; nuclear physics also has countable decays.
Mini-lesson: Zerfall
A process in which something gradually loses its structure or internal cohesion. Zerfall is masculine. In the sense of decay or disintegration it is usually singular-only; nuclear physics also has countable decays.
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Choose one answer.Which definition matches «Zerfall»?