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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

Etymology

Origin of biological

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

Explanation

When you use the word biological, you're talking about life and living things. You'll recognize the root "bio-," meaning "life," as in biography — the story of someone's life — and biology — the study of living organisms. The woman who gave birth to you is your biological mother — she's passed her genes on to you and you're related to her, even if somebody else raised you. Anybody you share genes with is your biological relative. Biological cleaning products make use of natural enzymes, and they're supposed to be safe and non-toxic. On the other hand, biological warfare uses bacteria, viruses, and other naturally occurring poisons to injure and kill people.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing biological

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.

“Regardless of the possible merits of new transmission, routing it through the heart of California’s largest state park makes no sense,” said Brendan Cummings, conservation director with the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

Biological aging can differ significantly from one person to another depending on factors such as health, lifestyle, and the body's ability to recover from stress and disease.

From Science Daily • May 12, 2026

Fish and Wildlife Service protocols to identify tortoises and instead used less rigorous procedures, said Evan Levy, attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

Funding for the research was provided by the National Science Foundation's Engineering Research Center for Advanced Technologies for the Preservation of Biological Systems, which supports leading-edge work in cryopreservation.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

Doc is the owner and operator of the Western Biological Laboratory.

From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck

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