1 Thus slang is in constant process of decomposition and recomposition; an obscure and rapid work which never pauses.
2 The masses regarded these beds of decomposition, these monstrous cradles of death, with a fear that was almost religious.
Les Misérables (V5) By Victor HugoContext Highlight In BOOK 2: CHAPTER II—ANCIENT HISTORY OF THE SEWER 3 Imagine such a corpse a prey to flames, devoured by the fire of burning brimstone and giving off dense choking fumes of nauseous loathsome decomposition.
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man By James JoyceContext Highlight In Chapter 3 4 Beyond a certain limit no mechanical disruption of the body could hasten the process of decomposition.
5 Although no absolute satisfaction is given to philosophy, either to circumscribe the cause or to limit the effect, the contemplator falls into those unfathomable ecstasies caused by these decompositions of force terminating in unity.
Les Misérables (V4) By Victor HugoContext Highlight In BOOK 3: CHAPTER III—FOLIIS AC FRONDIBUS