degradable

[ dih-grey-duh-buhl ]

adjective

1. susceptible to chemical breakdown.

degradable

/ dɪˈɡreɪdəbəl /

adjective

1. (of waste products, packaging materials, etc) capable of being decomposed chemically or biologically See also biodegradable
2. capable of being degraded

degradable

/ dĭ-grā′də-bəl /

1. Relating to a compound that breaks down into simpler compounds by stages. During the degradation of a degradable compound, well-defined intermediate products are created.

Derived Forms

• deˌgradaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• de·grada·bili·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of degradable¹

First recorded in 1960–65; degrade + -able

Example Sentences

A better understanding of processes such as these also holds potential for the development of future medical products or for the production of naturally degradable materials.

From Science Daily

You will find degradable pots made from a variety of materials.

From Seattle Times

The material developed by Chung and his research team is fully degradable at the end of its life without producing microplastics and toxic substances.

From Science Daily

"Our study takes the harmful greenhouse gas CO2 and makes it into a useful raw material to produce degradable polymers or plastics," said Hoyong Chung, an associate professor in chemical and biomedical engineering at the college.

From Science Daily

A special high-resolution 3D printing process is used to create tiny, porous spheres made of biocompatible and degradable plastic, which are then colonized with cells.

From Science Daily