The ongoing process of being broken down by bacteria, fungi, or other living organisms into simpler natural materials.
Present participle of biodegrade, formed from bio- (life) + degrade. Emerged in environmental science vocabulary during the 1970s ecological awareness movement.
Strangely, human hair biodegrades much faster than plastic, yet we've left plastic bags in landfills for decades while biodegradable leather shoes can last for generations if kept dry.
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