Does Disintegrate Have a Prefix?

The word disintegrate comes from a combination of the prefix dis- meaning "do the opposite of" and the Latin integrare meaning "to make whole." When something disintegrates, it does the opposite of become whole; it falls apart.

Is decompose a prefix?

The verb decompose means to break down or decay, like tree leaves that decompose into dirt, or cell phone batteries that decompose, resulting in more frequent charging for the user. You know that the prefix de- means "remove" or "undo." And something that's composed is made up of parts.

What is the root word of decomposition?

decomposition (n.)

"act or process of separating the constituent elements of a compound body; state of being decomposed,"1762, from de- "the opposite of" + composition. An earlier word in the same form meant "further compounding of already composite things" (1650s; see decomposite).