Agency Dictionary

biodegradable

adjectivePronunciation: /ˌbaɪ.əʊ.dɪˈɡreɪ.də.bəl/

Climate & Sustainability

What does “biodegradable” mean?

Capable of being decomposed and broken down harmlessly into natural organic matter by microorganisms.

Etymology

Formed in English in the mid-20th century from bio-, the combining form of Greek bios ("life"), and degradable. Degrade comes through Old French degrader from Late Latin degradare, "to reduce in rank", from de- ("down") and gradus ("step"). In chemistry, to degrade came to mean to break down into simpler substances, and the compound names what living organisms are able to break down in that way. The word spread with the public debate about detergents and plastics.

Synonyms

decomposable
degradable

Often confused with

compostable: Compostable material breaks down into compost under defined conditions and within a set time; biodegradable only says that organisms can break it down, without saying how long it takes.

Word family

biodegrade
biodegradability
biodegradation
degrade
degradation

Concept

Vegan TattooingVegan tattooing is the practice of body modification utilizing entirely animal-free inks, balms, transfer stencils, and biodegradable disposables. It seeks to minimize…

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Creative.9 - LunnaAugust 3, 2023Read the edition

Words of the same theme

Decompositionnoun: The natural biological or chemical process of decay, breakdown, or disintegration into constituent elements.
Pollinationnoun: The transfer of pollen grains from the male anther to the female stigma of a flower, enabling fertilization and seed production.
Regenerativeadjective: Relating to or capable of renewing, restoring, or reforming biological vitality and structural equilibrium.
Biomenoun: A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat defined by climate and soil.
Combustionnoun: The chemical process of burning, producing heat, light, and mechanical energy. In literary metaphors, it evokes furious velocity, explosive energy, and rapid expenditure of power.
deforestationnoun: The purposeful permanent clearing of forested land for timber, agriculture, grazing, or urban infrastructure.
Hectarenoun: A metric unit of surface area equal to ten thousand square meters or roughly 2.471 acres.
hydrocarbonnoun: An organic compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon, commonly found in petroleum, natural gas, and coal.
mitigateverb: To make less severe, harmful, intense, or painful in degree.
Rechargeableadjective: Capable of having its electrical chemical energy replenished repeatedly by passing an electric current through the cell in the reverse direction of its normal discharge cycle.
Regenerationnoun: The renewal, restoration, or revival of a biological organism, ecosystem, or cultural structure after decline or damage.

Also from these editions: terms

artisanaladjective: Relating to or produced by manual craftsmanship and skilled hands rather than automated mass manufacturing.
bardnoun: A poet, musician, or storyteller who recites verses celebrating heroic deeds, historical events, and emotional journeys.
Brainstormingnoun: A group creativity technique aimed at finding a conclusion or novel concept through spontaneous idea generation.
chrysalisnoun: The transitional pupal stage of a butterfly encased in a protective shell, often used figuratively to describe personal renewal or metamorphosis.
Compassionnoun: Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the genuine desire to alleviate their distress and provide solace.
letteringnoun: The art of drawing custom typographic characters and decorative letters to create a unique illustrative composition.
nostalgicadjective: Characterized by or evoking an affectionate, bittersweet longing for past eras, places, or personal memories.
Protagonistnoun: The principal character or leading figure in a dramatic production, novel, or historical movement.
sentientadjective: Able to perceive, feel, and experience sensations or consciousness with emotional responsiveness.
sommeliernoun: A trained specialist knowledgeable in wine or fine goods, often used colloquially to describe self-appointed critics who scrutinize cultural details.
transmuteverb: To change, transform, or convert something in form, nature, or substance into a higher or different manifestation.