degradable

American  

[dih-grey-duh-buhl] / dɪˈgreɪ də bəl /

adjective

1. susceptible to chemical breakdown.

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degradable British  

/ dɪˈɡreɪdəbəl /

adjective

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

2. capable of being degraded

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degradable Scientific  

/ 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.

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Other Word Forms

• degradability noun

Etymology

Origin of degradable

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 • May 13, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 24, 2024

Mr Greer said these often say they are degradable, but this process takes about 500 years.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2022

Rusak has been scaling up this degradable concept, starting with an outdoor sculpture commissioned to accompany an exhibition of modern Polish art and design at the William Morris Gallery in London.

From New York Times • Oct. 12, 2021

If any degradable compostable items remain intact — thick cornstalks or cabbage stems, perhaps — just toss them back onto the compost pile and give them another year.

From Washington Post • Nov. 29, 2016