Definition of DECIMATION (Meaning of DECIMATION), a 10 Letter Word

Pronunciation:		d'esum`eyshun


WordNet Dictionary

	Definition:	[n] destroying or killing a large part of the population (literally every tenth person as chosen by lot)

DECIMATION is a 10 letter word that starts with D.
	See Also:	destruction, devastation

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

	Definition:	\Dec`i*ma"tion\, n. [L. decimatio: cf. F. d['e]cimation.] 1. A tithing. [Obs.] --State Trials (1630). 2. A selection of every tenth person by lot, as for punishment. --Shak. 3. The destruction of any large proportion, as of people by pestilence or war. --Milman.