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Synonyms

biological

American  
[bahy-uh-loj-i-kuhl] / ˌbaɪ əˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl /

adjective

  1. Biology. Also biologic relating to the science and application of biology.

    Ideal candidates will have appropriate training in both physical and biological chemistry.

  2. Biology. relating to or involving living matter.

    Liquid nitrogen is critical for preserving blood, tissue, and other biological specimens.

  3. Biology. relating to the living organisms of a region.

    We are hoping to manage the river valley so that we maintain and enhance the current level of biological diversity.

  4. Biology, Genetics. related genetically, as a birth parent whose egg or sperm contributed to the DNA of a child.

    He met his biological father when he was 37.

    The Greenes have two biological sons and one adopted daughter.


noun

  1. Pharmacology. Usually biologicals. biologic.

biological British  
/ ˌbaɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

adjective

  1. of or relating to biology

  2. (of a detergent) containing enzymes said to be capable of removing stains of organic origin from items to be washed

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. (usually plural) a drug, such as a vaccine, that is derived from a living organism

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • biologically adverb
  • nonbiological adjective
  • nonbiologically adverb
  • pseudobiological adjective
  • pseudobiologically adverb
  • semibiologic adjective
  • semibiological adjective
  • semibiologically adverb
  • unbiological adjective
  • unbiologically adverb

Etymology

Origin of biological

First recorded in 1855–60; biolog(y) + -ical

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Two-thirds of Santé’s investments are in biotech and medtech startups, whose drugs and devices seek to beat back the biological causes of disease.

From The Wall Street Journal

"As the biological father of the individual responsible, I carry a sorrow that is difficult to put into words," the statement said, according to the CBC.

From Barron's

In a January essay, he detailed concerns that bad actors could use AI to mount devastating biological attacks, and that authoritarian regimes could use it to entrench their power.

From The Wall Street Journal

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have identified a biological repair process that could eventually lead to new treatments for spinal cord injuries, stroke, and neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

From Science Daily

Fluorescence imaging offers a possible solution, but current labeling techniques often face problems such as fading signals, leaking dyes, or reduced brightness in complex biological environments.

From Science Daily