biodegradable
adjective
Ruth Lampi
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In biodegradable, with its root grad, "to step or move", and its prefix de- "downward", we get an adjective describing things that can be broken down into basic substances through normal environmental processes. Animal and plant products are normally biodegradable, but mineral substances such as metals, glass, and plastics usually are not. Newly developed biodegradable plastics are now appearing in numerous products. However, "biodegradable" products can vary greatly in how long they take to break down. A loaf of bread may require only a couple of weeks, and a piece of paper may vanish in a couple of months, but some "biodegradable" plastic milk cartons may take four or five years.
Examples of biodegradable in a Sentence
Amy Rosner, Peoplemag, 11 Sep. 2023
Similar to hemp, sisal can be grown with no pesticides or chemical fertilizers and is fully biodegradable at the end of a product’s life.
—Mary Jo Dilonardo, Treehugger, 10 Sep. 2023
Paper is biodegradable and recyclable, but the bags still incur environmental and financial costs related to water and energy use to create them.
—Marc Bona, cleveland, 7 Sep. 2023
This means a shift away from the brightly-colored plastic of the past and toward elements like wood and stone, biodegradable materials that also offer children a tactile connection to the natural world.
—Caitlin Gibson, Washington Post, 30 June 2023
Made from hypoallergenic, latex-free, and biodegradable materials, the five-ply masks include two waterproof layers and have an adjustable nose bridge that doesn’t jut out.
—Phoebe Sklansky, Health, 30 June 2023
The digesters, large machines that break down biodegradable material and turn it into methane, were supposed to be built in farms in Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare counties.
—Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2023
Remove and Prevent Odors Using a biodegradable, non-corrosive pipe cleaner once a month can help keep the bathroom sink drain clean.
—Megan Boettcher, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2023
After ordering repairs and paying online, customers receive within three to five days a biodegradable and recyclable mailer bag to send their shoes to the company’s cobbler.
—Macie Parker, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Aug. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'biodegradable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
1959, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near biodegradable
Cite this Entry
“Biodegradable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biodegradable. Accessed 26 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
biodegradable
adjective
Medical Definition
biodegradable
adjective
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