descomponer
verb
1. to take apart, disassemble
separating something into its parts
Common combinations
- descomponer una máquina — to disassemble a machine
- descomponer un reloj — to take apart a watch
- Descompuso el reloj para limpiarlo.He took the watch apart to clean it.
- El técnico descompuso la máquina.The technician disassembled the machine.
- Podemos descomponer el problema en partes más pequeñas.We can break the problem down into smaller parts.
2. to break, damage
making a device stop working
Common combinations
- descomponer un aparato — to damage a device
- descomponer una radio — to break a radio
- La humedad descompuso el aparato.The moisture damaged the device.
- El golpe descompuso la radio.The impact broke the radio.
- Se descompuso el aire acondicionado.The air conditioner broke down.
3. to factor, factorize + en
expressing a number as factors
Common combinations
- descomponer en factores — to factor into factors
- descomponer un número — to factor a number
- Descompón doce en factores primos.Factor twelve into prime factors.
- El profesor descompuso el número.The teacher factored the number.
- Hay que descomponer esta fracción.This fraction must be factorized.
4. to spoil, decompose, rot
spoiling or breaking down organic matter
Common combinations
- descomponer la carne — to spoil meat
- descomponerse en la tierra — to decompose in the soil
- El calor descompuso la carne.The heat spoiled the meat.
- La fruta se descompuso en dos días.The fruit went bad in two days.
- Las hojas se descomponen en la tierra.The leaves decompose in the soil.
5. to upset, make ill
disturbing someone's physical or emotional state
Common combinations
- descomponer el estómago — to upset the stomach
- descomponer a alguien — to upset someone
- Ese olor me descompone el estómago.That smell upsets my stomach.
- La noticia lo descompuso.The news upset him.
- El ruido constante me descompone.The constant noise upsets me.
Same root