biodegrade

Definition

Biodegradable means that something can be broken down by living things, such as bacteria and fungi. When something is biodegradable, it means that it can be recycled by nature.

For example, food scraps, paper, and wood are all biodegradable. This means that they can be broken down by bacteria and fungi and turned into new materials.

In science, biodegradability is an important concept because it helps us to understand how materials break down in the environment. It also helps us to develop new ways to recycle and dispose of waste.

How can the word be used?

Biodegradable plastics can be composted in landfills.

Different forms of the word

Noun:

biodegradation (the process of breaking down a substance by living organisms).

Adjective:

biodegradable (able to be broken down by living organisms).

Verb:

to biodegrade (to break down a substance by living organisms).

Etymology

The word "biodegrade" comes from the Greek words bios, meaning "life," and degrade, meaning "to break down." The word "biodegrade" first appeared in English in the early 20th century, and it refers to the process by which living organisms break down organic matter.

Question

What materials can biodegrade?