ˈrɔtn adj. (rottener, rottenest) 1 rotting or rotted; falling to pieces or
liable to break or tear
from age or
use. 2 morally, socially, or politically
corrupt. 3 sl. a
disagreeable,
unpleasant (had a rotten time). b (of a
plan etc.) ill-advised,
unsatisfactory (a rotten idea). c disagreeably
ill (feel rotten today). ørotten
borough hist. (before 1832) an
English borough
able to
elect an MP
though having
very few voters. rotten-stone decomposed siliceous
limestone used as a
powder for polishing metals. øørottenly adv. rottenness n. [ME f. ON rotinn, rel. to
ROT, RET]