When something disintegrates, it breaks apart into many small pieces or falls to bits. A cookie might disintegrate into crumbs when you squeeze it too hard. An old newspaper left outside for months will slowly disintegrate as rain and sun turn it to pulp.

The word suggests a complete breakdown into many fragments. When a meteorite enters Earth's atmosphere, friction heats it so intensely that it often disintegrates before reaching the ground, burning up into countless tiny fragments. Scientists studying ancient artifacts worry about them disintegrating from age and exposure.

Disintegration can happen slowly or suddenly. A sandcastle disintegrates gradually as waves wash over it, while a glass might disintegrate instantly when it hits concrete. The word also describes things falling apart in a non-physical sense: a friendship might disintegrate when trust breaks down, or a team's strategy might disintegrate under pressure.