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biology

American  
[bahy-ol-uh-jee] / baɪˈɒl ə dʒi /

noun

  1. the science of life or living matter in all its forms and phenomena, especially with reference to origin, growth, reproduction, structure, and behavior.

  2. the living organisms of a region.

    the biology of Pennsylvania.

  3. the biological phenomena characteristic of an organism or a group of organisms.

    She is studying the biology of worms, especially in regard to their reproductive behavior.


biology British  
/ baɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

  1. the study of living organisms, including their structure, functioning, evolution, distribution, and interrelationships

  2. the structure, functioning, etc, of a particular organism or group of organisms

  3. the animal and plant life of a particular region

"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

biology Scientific  
/ bī-ŏlə-jē /
  1. The scientific study of life and of living organisms. Botany, zoology, and ecology are all branches of biology.


biology Cultural  
  1. The study of life and living systems.


Other Word Forms

  • biologist noun

Etymology

Origin of biology

From the German word Biologie, dating back to 1805–15. See bio-, -logy

Compare meaning

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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.

"When these patients understand that their struggle is rooted in biology, not lack of discipline, and are supported with structured nutrition, consistent meal patterns, psychological strategies and realistic goals, their relationship with food improves markedly."

From BBC

There, he met Ludwig Wittgenstein, the philosopher, and went to all the lectures in biology and chemistry he could find.

From The Wall Street Journal

This direct examination allowed them to see how diabetes influences heart biology in real human patients rather than relying solely on animal models.

From Science Daily

Instead, most studies of ancient remains rely on DNA, which mainly helps establish genetic relationships rather than day-to-day biology.

From Science Daily

Understanding this connection could help clarify how diabetes treatments fit into cancer prevention and care, though further research is still needed to unravel the underlying biology.

From Science Daily