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upcycle

up·cy·cle

Today it means: To convert (waste materials, etc.) into new materials or products of higher quality and greater functionality. Full definition →

First used 1990s

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upcycle · verb¹

Blend of up- + recycle or possibly upgrade + recycle.

upcycle · noun²

From up + cycle.

First known use, by meaning

from 1990s To convert (waste materials, etc.) into new materials or products of higher quality and greater functionality.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.