(physics) Any of several processes by which unstable nuclei emit subatomic particles and/or ionizing radiation and disintegrate into one or more smaller nuclei.

plural of alpha decay

(physics) Radioactive decay by emitting an alpha particle.

(computing, less common) Synonym of bit rot

plural of gamma decay

(physics, countable) A nuclear reaction with the emission of a gamma ray.

A hypothetical process whereby spacetime undergoes a phase transition (decays) into a lower-energy state.

(historic preservation) State of preservation where no attempt is made to improve a ruin, but rather to keep it from deteriorating any further.

(physics) A chained series of the products of nuclear decay of a particular isotope

plural of decay chain