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

This research does more than make plastics degradable.

From Science Daily

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.

From Science Daily

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

From Seattle Times

"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.

From Science Daily

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

From Science Daily