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Literary notes about putrescent (AI summary)

The term "putrescent" frequently appears in literature to evoke the vivid imagery of decay and foul deterioration. Authors often apply it to naturally rotting organic matter—describing, for instance, fleshy fungi that decay rapidly after reaching maturity ([1], [2]) or stagnant waters laden with animal detritus ([3], [4]). At times, the word extends beyond the physical, serving as a metaphor for moral or emotional corruption, as seen in its use to depict decayed human experiences or souls ([5], [6]). Its versatility also shines in scientific contexts, where it characterizes processes of decomposition and the transformation of substances into malodorous, deteriorated states ([7], [8]). In all its applications, "putrescent" powerfully communicates an atmosphere of pervasive decay and degradation.
  1. Many are very large and ponderous; fleshy and putrescent, decaying soon after maturity.
    — from The Mushroom, Edible and OtherwiseIts Habitat and its Time of Growth by Miron Elisha Hard
  2. This genus is fleshy, putrescent; at first the cap has the margin turned under (involute), then it unfolds gradually and dilates.
    — from Among the Mushrooms: A Guide For Beginners by Caroline A. Burgin
  3. Parkes says water contaminated with three to ten grains per gallon of putrescent animal matter may be hurtful.
    — from A System of Practical Medicine. By American Authors. Vol. 2 General Diseases (Continued) and Diseases of the Digestive System
  4. The amount of putrescent matter may be estimated by the amount of oxygen consumed in destroying it.
    — from Cooley's Cyclopædia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume II by Richard Vine Tuson
  5. My soul has been dead, I tell you—dead and putrescent.
    — from Alas! A Novel by Rhoda Broughton
  6. Chained to him by a bond he could not break was the putrescent body of his reeking past.
    — from John Marvel, Assistant by Thomas Nelson Page
  7. They are fleshy, membranaceous, and putrescent, having neither veil, ring, nor volva.
    — from Student's Hand-book of Mushrooms of America, Edible and Poisonous by Thomas Taylor
  8. An uninviting pool it looked, lying as green and putrescent within its sunken basin as if the bones of unnumbered dead men were rotting in its depths.
    — from The Quest of the Golden Pearl by J. R. (John Robert) Hutchinson

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