C1 adjective Neutral

biodegradable

/ˌbaɪ.əʊ.dɪˈɡreɪ.də.bəl/

Describes a substance or object that is capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms, thereby avoiding environmental pollution. In advanced contexts, it specifically refers to materials that can return to nature safely within a reasonably short period.

Ejemplos

3 de 5
1

We started using biodegradable trash bags to reduce our household environmental footprint.

We started using biodegradable trash bags to reduce our household environmental footprint.

2

The municipality has mandated that all single-use catering supplies must be biodegradable.

The municipality has mandated that all single-use catering supplies must be biodegradable.

3

I think these coffee cups are biodegradable, so you can just toss them in the compost bin.

I think these coffee cups are biodegradable, so you can just toss them in the compost bin.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivo
biodegradability
Verb
biodegrade
Adverbio
biodegradably
Adjetivo
biodegradable
Relacionado
biodegradation
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Truco para recordar

Break it into parts: 'Bio' (living things like bacteria) + 'degrade' (break down) + 'able' (can be). Living things can break it down.

Quiz rápido

The company switched to ____ packaging to minimize its long-term impact on the local ecosystem.

¡Correcto!

La respuesta correcta es: biodegradable

Ejemplos

1

We started using biodegradable trash bags to reduce our household environmental footprint.

everyday

We started using biodegradable trash bags to reduce our household environmental footprint.

2

The municipality has mandated that all single-use catering supplies must be biodegradable.

formal

The municipality has mandated that all single-use catering supplies must be biodegradable.

3

I think these coffee cups are biodegradable, so you can just toss them in the compost bin.

informal

I think these coffee cups are biodegradable, so you can just toss them in the compost bin.

4

The study investigates the metabolic pathways through which microorganisms break down biodegradable polymers in anaerobic conditions.

academic

The study investigates the metabolic pathways through which microorganisms break down biodegradable polymers in anaerobic conditions.

5

Investing in biodegradable packaging has significantly enhanced our corporate social responsibility profile.

business

Investing in biodegradable packaging has significantly enhanced our corporate social responsibility profile.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivo
biodegradability
Verb
biodegrade
Adverbio
biodegradably
Adjetivo
biodegradable
Relacionado
biodegradation

Colocaciones comunes

biodegradable waste biodegradable waste
biodegradable packaging biodegradable packaging
biodegradable plastic biodegradable plastic
biodegradable materials biodegradable materials
biodegradable detergents biodegradable detergents

Frases Comunes

100% biodegradable

100% biodegradable

biodegradable and compostable

biodegradable and compostable

certified biodegradable

certified biodegradable

Se confunde a menudo con

biodegradable vs compostable

While all compostable materials are biodegradable, not all biodegradable materials are compostable; the latter must break down into nutrient-rich soil in specific settings.

biodegradable vs recyclable

Recyclable materials are processed by humans to be reused, whereas biodegradable materials decompose naturally via biological agents.

📝

Notas de uso

The term is widely used in environmental science and marketing to signal that a product will not persist in the environment. It is typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun.

⚠️

Errores comunes

Learners often use 'degradable' interchangeably with 'biodegradable', but 'degradable' can refer to chemical or physical breakdown (like by sunlight), whereas 'biodegradable' requires living organisms.

💡

Truco para recordar

Break it into parts: 'Bio' (living things like bacteria) + 'degrade' (break down) + 'able' (can be). Living things can break it down.

📖

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Greek 'bios' (life) combined with the English 'degradable' (from Latin de- 'down' + gradus 'step'), first appearing in the mid-20th century.

Patrones gramaticales

Used typically as an adjective modifying a noun. Does not usually take comparative or superlative forms (rare to say 'more biodegradable').
🌍

Contexto cultural

In contemporary Western society, the 'biodegradable' label is a powerful tool for 'green marketing' driven by consumer concern over plastic pollution.

Quiz rápido

The company switched to ____ packaging to minimize its long-term impact on the local ecosystem.

¡Correcto!

La respuesta correcta es: biodegradable

Palabras relacionadas

proceed

C1

The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.

individual

C1

Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.

appropriately

B2

To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.

region

B2

A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.

resource

B2

A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

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