In the compost pile, bacteria and fungi decompose organic matter into nutrient-rich soil for the garden.
在堆肥堆中，细菌和真菌将有机物分解成富含营养的土壤，供花园使用。
Which choice best defines “decompose”?
B — To break down into simpler parts. “decompose” means to break down into simpler parts.
Which word means “to break down into simpler parts”?
D — decompose. “decompose” means to break down into simpler parts.
decompose — to break down into simpler parts. In Chinese: 分解.
decompose is pronounced /ˌdiːkəmˈpoʊz/.
In the compost pile, bacteria and fungi decompose organic matter into nutrient-rich soil for the garden. (在堆肥堆中，细菌和真菌将有机物分解成富含营养的土壤，供花园使用。)
break down, decay, rot — all close in meaning to decompose (to break down into simpler parts).
compose, synthesize — each the opposite of decompose (to break down into simpler parts).
Yes. decompose is on the SAT Prep Basic list — the everyday academic words the SAT assumes you already have. The Digital SAT does not test vocabulary in isolation; words like this one are tested through Words in Context questions, where you choose the word that completes a passage most logically and precisely.