biodegradable
by-oh-dih-GRAY-duh-buhl
/ˌbaɪoʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbəl/
Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
Implies that the breakdown process is natural and harmless to the ecosystem.
The story behind the word. Coined in the early 1960s as environmental awareness began to blossom, this word combines the Greek 'bios' (life) with the Latin 'degradare' (to lower in grade or step). It beautifully describes materials that can be stepped down or dismantled back into nature by living organisms like bacteria.
Word relationships
- decomposable: Decomposable is a general term for anything that can break down, while biodegradable specifically requires biological agents like bacteria.
- compostable: Compostable materials break down under specific human-managed conditions, whereas biodegradable materials break down naturally in the environment.
- non-biodegradable: Non-biodegradable materials cannot be broken down by biological organisms and persist indefinitely.
Commonly confused with
- compostable: Biodegradable means nature will break it down eventually; compostable means it will break down quickly and turn into nutrient-rich soil under managed conditions.
Word family
- biodegradability (noun): The capacity of a material to decompose biologically.
- biodegrade (verb): To decay through biological action.
Collocations
- biodegradable waste
- biodegradable packaging
- biodegradable plastic
- highly biodegradable
Example sentences
- "Our new packaging is made from biodegradable cornstarch, which decomposes completely within ninety days." Eco-friendly marketing campaign
- "Switching to biodegradable plastics can significantly reduce the accumulation of synthetic waste in our oceans." Environmental impact study
Memory hook
BIO (life) can DEGRADE (break down) this ABLE (capable) material. Life breaks it down.
When not to use
Do not use for materials that break down through sunlight alone (photodegradable) or chemical means without biological action.
Fun facts
- While a plastic bottle takes 450 years to break down, a biodegradable banana peel takes only about 2 to 5 weeks.
Explore more words
decomposer, renewable, degradation, degenerative, sustainable, biomass
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