non-degradable
|non-de-grad-a-ble|
C1
/nɒn-dɪˈɡreɪdəbl/
(degradable)
not decomposable
Etymology
Etymology Information
'non-degradable' originates from the prefix 'non-' meaning 'not' and the word 'degradable' from Latin 'degradare', where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'gradus' meant 'step'.
Historical Evolution
'degradare' transformed into the English word 'degrade', and eventually became the modern English word 'degradable'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, 'degradable' meant 'able to be reduced in rank or status', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'capable of being broken down'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not capable of being broken down or decomposed by natural processes.
Plastic bags are often non-degradable, causing environmental issues.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45