Standard Lemma guide

biodegrade

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To decompose as a result of biological action, especially by microorganisms.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

break down naturally through the action of biological agents

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • Plastic bottles do not biodegrade

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: decompose, rot, molder, moulder

History

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gweyh3-der. Ancient Greek βῐ́ος (bĭ́os) Ancient Greek βῐο- (bĭo-)der. English bio- English degrade English biodegrade From bio- + degrade.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Irish: bith-dhíghrádaigh — to decompose as a result of biological action
  • Italian: biodegradare — to decompose as a result of biological action
  • Italian: biodegradarsi — to decompose as a result of biological action
  • Polish: biodegradować się — to decompose as a result of biological action
  • Spanish: biodegradar — to decompose as a result of biological action
  • Vietnamese: tự hủy — to decompose as a result of biological action
  • Vietnamese: tự huỷ — to decompose as a result of biological action
  • Welsh: bioddiraddio — to decompose as a result of biological action