Decomposition of forces. Same as Resolution of forces, under Resolution. -- Decomposition of light, the division of light into the prismatic colors.
De`com*pound" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Decompounded; p. pr. & vb. n. Decompounding.] [Pref. de- (intens. in sense 1) + compound, v. t.] 1. To compound or mix with that is already compound; to compound a second time.