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biodegradable

by-oh-dih-GREY-duh-buhl /ˌbaɪoʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbəl/

adjectiveB2TOEFLIELTSACT

generaltechnicalenvironmental

Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.

Specifically refers to biological decomposition returning elements to nature, unlike 'degradable' which might just mean breaking down into smaller, potentially toxic plastic pieces.

The story behind the word. A modern hybrid word born in the 1960s as environmental awareness grew. It combines the Greek 'bios' (life) with the Latin-derived 'degrade' (to step down or lower in quality). It literally describes a material that 'steps down' its chemical complexity using the power of life (microbes).

Word relationships

compostable: Compostable materials break down specifically in a compost environment into nutrient-rich soil, whereas biodegradable simply means biological agents can break it down eventually.
decomposable: Decomposable is a broader term for anything that can decay, while biodegradable emphasizes the active role of living organisms (microbes) in the process.

non-biodegradable: Materials that cannot be broken down by biological organisms and persist indefinitely in the environment.
synthetic: Man-made materials, like many plastics, designed to resist natural decay.

Commonly confused with

degradable: Degradable plastics can break down through chemical or physical processes (like sunlight) into microplastics, but they do not necessarily return to organic matter like biodegradable materials do.

Word family

biodegradability (noun): The capacity of a substance to be decomposed by biological agents.
biodegrade (verb): To decay or decompose through biological action.

Collocations

biodegradable waste
biodegradable packaging
biodegradable plastic
fully biodegradable

Example sentences

"The company switched to biodegradable packing peanuts made from potato starch." A discussion on modern packaging materials.
"Traditional plastics are not biodegradable and can persist in landfills for centuries." An environmental warning about plastics.

Memory hook

Break the word down: Bio (living things) + Degrade (break down) + Able (capable of). Living things are able to break it down. Bio-degrade-able: Life can break it down.

When not to use

Do not use 'biodegradable' interchangeably with 'compostable'. While all compostable items are biodegradable, not all biodegradable items are compostable (some require industrial facilities to break down).

Fun facts

Some 'biodegradable' plastics require temperatures of over 140°F (60°C) in industrial facilities to actually decompose; they won't break down in a cold ocean.