biodegradable

adjective

bio·de·grad·able | \ ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-di-ˈgrā-də-bəl

Definition of biodegradable

: capable of being broken down especially into innocuous products by the action of living things (such as microorganisms) biodegradable trash bags

Other Words from biodegradable Did you know? More Example Sentences Learn More About biodegradable

Other Words from biodegradable

biodegradability \ ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-di-ˌgrā-də-ˈbi-lə-tē

\ noun

biodegradable noun, plural biodegradables

"… we would never discourage the development of technologies that promote recyclables or biodegradables. [=biodegradable materials]" — Ruth Lampi

biodegradation \ ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-ˌde-grə-ˈdā-shən

\ noun

biodegrade \ ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-di-ˈgrād

\ verb

Did you know?

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

Recent Examples on the Web The biodegradable formula uses the power of citrus oils to cut through grease. — Carolyn Forté, Good Housekeeping, 17 May 2022 Bamboo stem extract in this formula acts as a biodegradable physical exfoliant while glycolic acid acts as a chemical exfoliant that dissolves dead and dry skin while also enhancing skin cell turnover, resulting in bright, smooth, rejuvenated skin. — Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 May 2022 Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a biodegradable coating that gives paper bags the waterproof qualities of plastic bags without sacrificing flexibility. — Alex Knapp, Forbes, 14 May 2022 His Manduka Eko Lite yoga mat ($65) is PVC-free and made from biodegradable natural tree rubber. — Jen Murphy, WSJ, 14 May 2022 They're designed with extra-soft, biodegradable material; a drawstring waist; and tapered legs. — Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2022 For example, in mid-April, more than 120 guests on the Octantis gathered in the rain at 7 a.m. to watch the release of a biodegradable weather balloon. — Washington Post, 5 May 2022 Danimer Scientific is working with candy companies to make biodegradable wrappers out of plant oils. — Michelle Mcmurry-heath, Fortune, 2 May 2022 Beyond the brand’s environmentally conscious packaging and biodegradable heel, Linton plants a tree for every purchase made. — Vogue, 28 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'biodegradable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.