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
Nora Colomer, Fox News, 3 July 2024
The new measure also removes a loophole that allows the release of biodegradable balloons, which can still cause harm to the environment.
—Max Chesnes, Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2024
Bracco aims to provide growth opportunities for women in her home country by producing there and choosing suppliers committed to social well-being with biodegradable and vegan fabrics.
—Cristina Manfredi, WWD, 21 June 2024
Makers looking to produce biodegradable garments should look to cotton.
—Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 13 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for biodegradable 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'biodegradable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near biodegradable
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“Biodegradable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biodegradable. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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biodegradable
adjective
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biodegradable
adjective
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