biotechnology

[bahy-oh-tek-nol-uh-jee]

noun

1. the use of living organisms or other biological systems in the manufacture of drugs or other products or for environmental management, as in waste recycling: includes the use of bioreactors in manufacturing, microorganisms to degrade oil slicks or organic waste, genetically engineered bacteria to produce human hormones, and monoclonal antibodies to identify antigens.

biotechnology

/ ˌbaɪəʊˌtɛknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl, ˌbaɪəʊtɛkˈnɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. (in industry) the technique of using microorganisms, such as bacteria, to perform chemical processing, such as waste recycling, or to produce other materials, such as beer and wine, cheese, antibiotics, and (using genetic engineering) hormones, vaccines, etc

2. another name for ergonomics

biotechnology

1. The use of a living organism to solve an engineering problem or perform an industrial task. Using bacteria that feed on hydrocarbons to clean up an oil spill is one example of biotechnology.

2. The use of biological substances or techniques to engineer or manufacture a product or substance, as when cells that produce antibodies are cloned in order to study their effects on cancer cells.

3. See more at genetic engineering

Other Word Forms

• biotechnical adjective
• biotechnological adjective
• biotechnologically adverb
• biotechnologist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of biotechnology¹

First recorded in 1940–45; bio- + technology

Example Sentences

This gentle approach allows cells to remain unharmed during long-term imaging, which could benefit testing and quality control in pharmaceutical and biotechnology settings.

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Pharma giant Merck is closing in on a deal to buy the biotechnology company at a premium to its $3.3 billion valuation, the Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

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Because of their precision and control, scientists have adapted them as nanopore tools for biotechnology, such as in DNA sequencing and molecular sensing.

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It may lead to more efficient microbial production in biotechnology, improved crop yields through better nutrient management, and stronger models for predicting how ecosystems respond to climate change.

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The future of robotics, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence is playing out in hundreds of fully automated labs across China managed by Hong Kong–listed biotech XtalPi Holdings.

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