biodegradable
adjectiveCEFR B1
What does “biodegradable” mean in English?
biodegradable
biodegradable (capable of being broken down naturally by organisms — material biodegradable, envase biodegradable)
Example sentences
Sustituir los envases de plástico por materiales biodegradables no resuelve todo el problema, pero es un primer paso necesario.
Replacing plastic packaging with biodegradable materials does not solve the whole problem, but it is a necessary first step.
No todos los materiales que se anuncian como biodegradables se degradan en condiciones normales de un vertedero.
Not all materials advertised as biodegradable degrade under normal landfill conditions.
La diferencia entre biodegradable y compostable es que el compostable se degrada solo en condiciones específicas de humedad y temperatura.
The difference between biodegradable and compostable is that compostable only breaks down under specific conditions of humidity and temperature.
How to use it
Biodegradable means 'biodegradable' — capable of being broken down naturally by bacteria and other organisms without leaving toxic residues. It is an invariable adjective (same form for masculine and feminine singular; plural: biodegradables). Key collocates: material biodegradable, envase biodegradable, producto biodegradable, no biodegradable.
Common mistake
Biodegradable is a two-form adjective (no separate feminine -a): un bolso biodegradable, una bolsa biodegradable. The distinction between biodegradable and compostable is a B1 accuracy point: biodegradable materials break down naturally over time, while compostable materials break down quickly under specific industrial conditions. Materials marketed as 'biodegradable' may still take centuries in landfill conditions.