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Definition of biodegrade

biodegrade

/ˌbaɪ.oʊ.dɪˈɡreɪd/
bi · o · de · grade
Adjective:biodegradable
•
Past Simple:biodegraded
•
Past Participle:biodegraded
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Present Participle:biodegrading
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biodegrade Lexical Profile

biodegrade Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To decompose or break down into simpler, harmless substances through the action of living organisms, such as bacteria or fungi.

Example

"Unlike conventional plastics, paper bags biodegrade relatively quickly when exposed to moisture and soil microbes."

2

To cause a substance or material to undergo biological decomposition (especially of microorganisms).

Example

"Specialized soil bacteria can biodegrade certain petroleum pollutants after an oil spill."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for biodegrade

• Rhymes for biodegrade

• Nearby Words

biochemistry
biodegradable
biodegradation
biodegrade
biodiesel
biodiverse
biodiversity

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-20th century as a back-formation from "biodegradable" or by combining the prefix "bio-" (from Ancient Greek bios, meaning "life") with "degrade" (from Late Latin degradare, meaning "to reduce in rank or step down").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Biodegrade. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/biodegrade
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