Degradable is often associated with the property of a material to break down or decompose into simpler forms, usually through natural biological processes. Synonyms for degradable include biodegradable, compostable, decomposable, disintegrable, and deteriorating. Biodegradable emphasizes the ability of a material to degrade into organic matter through the action of microorganisms in the environment. Compostable connotes materials that can turn into nutrient-rich compost, while decomposable refers to items that can break down into smaller fragments. Disintegrable emphasizes the disintegration or breakdown of a material into its components, while deteriorating pertains to materials that break down over time due to exposure to natural elements.