Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Putrefaction \Pu`tre*fac"tion\, n. [L. putrefactio: cf. F.
   putr['e]faction. See {Putrefy}.]
   1. The act or the process of putrefying; the offensive decay
      of albuminous or other matter.

   Note: Putrefaction is a complex phenomenon involving a
         multiplicity of chemical reactions, always accompanied
         by, and without doubt caused by, bacteria and
         vibriones; hence, putrefaction is a form of
         fermentation, and is sometimes called putrefaction
         fermentative. Putrefaction is not possible under
         conditions that preclude the development of living
         organisms. Many of the products of putrefaction are
         powerful poisons, and are called cadaveric poisons, or
         ptoma["i]nes.

   2. The condition of being putrefied; also, that which
      putrefied. ``Putrefaction's breath.'' --Shelley.

Source : WordNet®

putrefaction
     n 1: decay usually accompanied by an offensive odor [syn: {rot}]
     2: (biology) decaying caused by bacterial or fungal action
        [syn: {decomposition}, {rot}, {rotting}]