degradable

American  

[dih-grey-duh-buhl] / dɪˈgreɪ də bəl /

adjective

1. susceptible to chemical breakdown.

---

degradable British  

/ 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 Scientific  

/ dĭ-grā′də-bəl /

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

Etymology

Origin of degradable

First recorded in 1960–65; degrade + -able

Example Sentences

Now, researchers at the University of Bath and University of Surrey have developed a way of introducing degradable bonds into thermoset polymers to make them more easily recyclable.

From Science Daily • Dec. 19, 2023

Mr Greer said these often say they are degradable, but this process takes about 500 years.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2022

Station astronauts currently trash their dirty clothes; Procter & Gamble Co. is developing a fully degradable detergent for eventual use at the station, on the moon and beyond.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 21, 2021

We have magnetic nanoparticles fully degradable in the body.

From New York Times • Jan. 24, 2018

If any degradable compostable items remain intact — thick cornstalks or cabbage stems, perhaps — just toss them back onto the compost pile and give them another year.

From Washington Post • Nov. 29, 2016