Necrosis is the medical term used to describe the death of cells or tissue in the body. In order to better understand this condition, it can be useful to learn some synonyms for the word "necrose." These include: decay, mortify, gangrene, rot, putrefy, decompose, waste away, spoil, perish, and degenerate. Each of these words carries a slightly different connotation, but all point to the same idea of the disintegration or breakdown of living tissue. Understanding these synonyms can help healthcare professionals and patients better discuss the condition and its treatment.