amine-degrading
|a-mine-de-grad-ing|
/əˈmiːn dɪˈɡreɪdɪŋ/
breaking down amines
Etymology
'amine-degrading' is a compound word formed from 'amine' and 'degrading.' 'Amine' comes from 'ammonia,' and 'degrading' comes from the verb 'degrade,' meaning to break down or decompose.
'Amine' was coined in the 19th century from 'ammonia,' and 'degrading' comes from the Latin 'degradare.' The compound 'amine-degrading' is a modern scientific term used in biochemistry and environmental science.
Initially, 'degrading' meant 'to lower in rank or quality,' but in scientific contexts, it evolved to mean 'to break down chemically.' 'Amine-degrading' specifically refers to breaking down amines.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
describing something (such as a microorganism or process) that breaks down or decomposes amines.
Amine-degrading bacteria play a crucial role in wastewater treatment.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/07 02:01