Pooldunud

Pooldunud is a fictional term used in speculative fiction and related media to describe a state of partial decay or corruption affecting both physical matter and digital information. In the setting where it originated, pooldunud arises from exposure to a pervasive entropic field called the Pool, which accelerates degradation without complete destruction.

Definition and scope: Pooldunud denotes conditions in which components retain mass and basic structure but exhibit partial breakdown. Examples include organic tissue that is still alive but showing necrosis in patches, or data storage where a portion of sectors are corrupted yet data remains readable in part. The category is distinct from fully fresh or fully decayed states and is used to convey gradual, incomplete deterioration.

Origins and terminology: The word is a fictional neologism created for the setting; there is no single canonical etymology, and different cultures within the work offer varying explanations for its roots. It is commonly treated as an adjective and noun depending on context (pooldunud material, a pooldunud).

In-universe usage: Authors, scientists, and game designers use pooldunud to describe artifacts, habitats, and narratives impacted by the Pool. It serves as a thematic device to explore entropy, memory erosion, and resilience.

Reception and influence: The concept has appeared in novels, tabletop RPG sourcebooks, and fan wikis, where it is often discussed as a mood-setting element in post-apocalyptic or cosmic horror settings.

See also: Decay, Entropy, Corruption, Partial degradation.