çürümü

Çürüm is a Turkish word that translates to "rot" or "decay" in English. It refers to the process of decomposition, particularly of organic matter. This process is typically carried out by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. When organic material, such as a fallen tree or dead animal, is no longer alive, these microorganisms break down its complex components into simpler substances.

This natural process is crucial for ecosystems. It recycles nutrients back into the soil, making them available for new plant growth. Without çürüm, dead organic matter would accumulate, and essential elements would remain locked away, hindering the continuation of life cycles. The rate of çürüm can vary depending on factors like temperature, moisture, and the type of organic material. Warmer, wetter conditions generally accelerate the process.

In a broader sense, çürüm can also be used metaphorically to describe the decline or degradation of something, not necessarily organic. This might include the decay of a building, a system, or even a societal structure, implying a loss of integrity and function over time. However, its primary and most common meaning relates to the biological decomposition of organic substances.