biochemical

American  

[bahy-oh-kem-i-kuhl] / ˌbaɪ oʊˈkɛm ɪ kəl /

adjective

1. Rarely biochemic of or relating to the science dealing with the chemistry of living matter.

   Accurate biochemical results depend on maintaining the integrity of blood samples until analyses can be completed.

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noun

1. a chemical existing in or obtained from living matter, or used in processes dealing with living matter.

   All the substances mentioned are biochemicals present in the human body.

Other Word Forms

• biochemically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of biochemical

bio- ( def. ) + chemical ( def. )

Explanation

Something that's biochemical relates to chemical processes that occur in living beings, like the chemical reactions in your body. You're most likely to come across the word biochemical in a science class. Biochemical processes occur in living organisms. For example, the way your body converts food into energy is biochemical, as is the way your body fights disease and responds to drugs. The word biochemistry comes from the German biochemisch, and both words combine the Greek bio, "one's life," and chemical, "relating to chemistry."

Example Sentences

A component of Paxlovid activates one of the tongue’s bitter taste receptors even at low levels, which may draw out the yuck factor, the team reports this month in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 22, 2023

Biochemical and biophysical cues within the reproductive tract serve as filters against low-quality sperm and guidance mechanisms for high-quality sperm to navigate toward the egg.

From Science Daily • Nov. 1, 2023

Riverkeeper on March 7 sued Weyerhaeuser on grounds it had violated the Clean Water Act, which limits output of Biochemical Oxygen Demand, oil and grease, and regulates pH levels in hopes of preserving fish habitats.

From Seattle Times • May 11, 2022

Biochemical studies were carried out in a microbiological containment level 3 facility with strict adherence to safety protocols.

From Nature • Sep. 8, 2015

Both of us were there for the International Biochemical Congress.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson