ichidan verb, intransitive verb
Physical decay of organic matter, wood, or structures. Often used for things breaking down over time.
古い木の橋が朽ちてしまった。
The old wooden bridge has rotted away.
落ち葉は土に還るまでに朽
Fallen leaves decay before returning to the soil.
ichidan verb, intransitive verb
die in obscurity; be forgotten
Figurative use: a person's talent or achievements fading away without recognition, or something being lost to time. Sense 3 often appears in negative expressions like 朽ちることなく.
彼の名作は時代とともに朽ちることなく読み継がれている。
His masterpiece has been passed down through the ages without being forgotten.
才能がありながら、田舎で朽ちてしまった画家がいた。
There was a painter who, despite having talent, died in obscurity in the countryside.