biodeterioration

noun

bio·​de·​te·​ri·​o·​ra·​tion ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-di-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce biodeterioration (audio)
: the breakdown of materials by microbial action

Examples of biodeterioration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The researchers detected no visible biodeterioration on the drawing, apart from foxing stains (small yellow-brown spots or blotches). —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 22 Dec. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'biodeterioration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biodeterioration was in 1953

Dictionary Entries Near biodeterioration

biodemography

biodeterioration

biodiesel

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Cite this Entry

“Biodeterioration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biodeterioration. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

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