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zersetzt

decomposed, corroded, eaten away

adjective tser-ZETST Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Conditions

Also means

undermined, subverted (fig.)

Usage Note

zersetzt describes material broken down by chemical, biological, or corrosive processes — zersetztes Fleisch, zersetztes Metall. Figuratively zersetzte Strukturen are institutions undermined from within. The zer- prefix implies thorough breakdown.

Examples

"Das zersetzte Metall an der Brücke musste dringend repariert werden."

Natural Translation

The corroded metal on the bridge urgently needed repair.

Literal Translation

The corroded metal on the bridge had urgently repaired to-be.

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