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
Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
In a previous study published in Nature Biotechnology, the duo worked on a different temporary pacemaker that was also biodegradable.
—Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025
Future research will focus on methods of storing the CO2 within the robot, and on the use of 100% biodegradable materials.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2025
Transplant Seedlings Bury zinnia root balls at the same depth the plants were growing in their indoor containers and bury biodegradable pots along with your plants to avoid disturbing delicate zinnia roots.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for biodegradable
Cite this Entry
“Biodegradable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biodegradable. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
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biodegradable
adjective
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biodegradable
adjective
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