biotransformation

American

[bahy-oh-trans-fer-mey-shuhn] / ˌbaɪ oʊˌtræns fərˈmeɪ ʃən /

noun

the series of chemical changes occurring in a compound, especially a drug, as a result of enzymatic or other activity by a living organism.

Etymology

Origin of biotransformation

First recorded in 1950–55; bio- + transformation

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.

"This gives us a foundation to explore future genetic or systems biology interventions that could improve retention or even enable biotransformation."

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2025

Abdelwahed maintained that he never used meldonium and that the positive case was the result of a biotransformation process involving a supplement.

From Washington Times • Dec. 14, 2023

Several species of bacteria can carry out the biotransformation of toxic mercury into nontoxic forms.

From Textbooks • Sep. 6, 2018

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023