Definition

1. Verb:
   • To break down or decompose naturally through the action of biological agents, such as bacteria, fungi, or other living organisms. This process is a form of chemical degradation caused by living things.

Usage

• The verb "biodegrade" is intransitive; it does not take a direct object. The thing that decomposes is the subject of the sentence.
• It is commonly used in environmental and scientific contexts to describe the natural breakdown of materials, especially in contrast to materials that persist in the environment.

Examples

• Verb:
  • Organic waste, like food scraps, will biodegrade quickly in a compost pile.
  • This new type of packaging is designed to biodegrade within six months in soil.
  • Unlike paper, most plastics do not biodegrade easily.

Advanced Usage

• "to be biodegradable": This is the related adjective form, meaning capable of being decomposed by biological agents.
  • We should use biodegradable bags to reduce plastic pollution.
• The process itself can be referred to as "biodegradation" (noun).
  • The biodegradation of the material was slower than expected.

Variants and Related Words

• Biodegradable (adj): Capable of being broken down by biological processes.
  • biodegradable detergent
• Biodegradation (n): The process of breaking down by biological agents.
  • microbial biodegradation
• Non-biodegradable (adj): Not capable of being broken down by biological processes.
  • non-biodegradable waste

Synonyms

• Decompose: To rot or decay.
• Break down: To separate into simpler components.
• Decay: To rot or decompose.

Antonyms

• Persist: To continue to exist.
• Accumulate: To gather or build up over time.

Verb

1. break down naturally through the action of biological agents
   • Plastic bottles do not biodegrade