degradable

[dih-grey-duh-buhl]

adjective

1. susceptible to chemical breakdown.

degradable

/ dɪˈɡreɪdəbəl /

adjective

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

2. capable of being degraded

degradable

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.

Other Word Forms

• degradability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of degradable¹

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.

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

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The material developed by Chung and his research team is fully degradable at the end of its life without producing microplastics and toxic substances.

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"Our study takes the harmful greenhouse gas CO2 and makes it into a useful raw material to produce degradable polymers or plastics," said Hoyong Chung, an associate professor in chemical and biomedical engineering at the college.

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A special high-resolution 3D printing process is used to create tiny, porous spheres made of biocompatible and degradable plastic, which are then colonized with cells.

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