biodegradability

Questions

What does biodegradability mean?

The capacity of a material to decompose over time as a result of biological activity, especially to be broken down by microorganisms.

Where does biodegradability come from?

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-der. Ancient Greek βῐ́ος (bĭ́os) Ancient Greek βῐο- (bĭo-)der. English bio- English degrade Proto-Indo-European *-dʰlom Proto-Italic *-ðlom Proto-Italic *-ðlis Latin -bilis Latin -ābilis Old French -ablebor. Middle English -able English -able English degradable English biodegradable Proto-Indo-European *-teh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-ts Proto-Indo-European *-teh₂ts Latin -itāsder. Old French -itebor. Middle English -ite English -ity English biodegradability From biodegradable + -ity.

How to pronounce biodegradability

1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “biodegradability”.
2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “biodegradability”.
4. Repeat and practice — Say “biodegradability” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.