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
Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
The big picture: The riders also will throw biodegradable glitter kits, sugar scrubs, gym towels, bagged coffee, reusable jute tote bags and metal cups.
—Carlie Kollath Wells, Axios, 5 Feb. 2025
The bestsellers are also eco-friendly and use upcycled, biodegradable coffee bags as the wrap.
—Sarah Madaus, Architectural Digest, 22 Jan. 2025
Unfortunately, tea bags made of biodegradable plastic are unlikely to reduce your microplastic exposure, García-Rodríguez said.
—Jenna Anderson, Health, 19 Jan. 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 12 Mar. 2025.
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biodegradable
adjective
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biodegradable
adjective
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