Biodegradable Meaning
/(ˌ)baɪoʊdəˈɡɹeɪdəbl̩/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjCapable of being decomposed by biological activity, especially by microorganisms.
nounAny material that can be decomposed by biological activity.
Sentence Examples
I only use biodegradable bags.
The country already produces biodegradable plastic.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The company replaced plastic utensils with ____ ones made from cornstarch for environmental reasons.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
This paper bag is ____, meaning it will break down naturally in time.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-der. Ancient Greek βῐ́ος (bĭ́os) Ancient Greek βῐο- (bĭo-)der. English bio- English degrade Proto-Indo-European *-tḗr Proto-Indo-European *-dʰlom Proto-Indo-European *-dʰlis Proto-Italic *-ðlis Latin -bilis Latin -ābilis Old French -ablebor. Middle English -able English -able English degradable English biodegradable From bio- + degradable.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Similar studies of rats have employed four different intracranial resorbable, slow sustained release systems—surgical foam, a thermal gel depot, a microcapsule or biodegradable polymer beads."
— 2013 May-June, Charles T. Ambrose, “Alzheimer’s Disease”, in American Scientist, volume 101, number 3, page 200:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The company replaced plastic utensils with ____ ones made from cornstarch for environmental reasons.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
This paper bag is ____, meaning it will break down naturally in time.