Search Dictionary
Definition of biodegradation

biodegradation

/ˌbaɪ.oʊ.dɛɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/
bi · o · deg · ra · da · tion
Plural:biodegradations
•
Adjective:biodegradable
JUMP TO:

biodegradation Lexical Profile

biodegradation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The chemical dissolution or breakdown of organic materials and substances by bacteria, fungi, or other biological means.

Example

"Warm temperatures and adequate moisture significantly accelerate the biodegradation of agricultural waste in compost piles."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for biodegradation
Antonyms
View all antonyms for biodegradation

• Rhymes for biodegradation

• Nearby Words

biochemist
biochemistry
biodegradable
biodegradation
biodegrade
biodiesel
biodiverse

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-20th century from the combining form 'bio-' (from Ancient Greek 'bios', meaning 'life') and 'degradation' (from Late Latin 'degradare', meaning 'to reduce in rank or break down').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Biodegradation. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/biodegradation
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.