bioreactor

American  

[bahy-oh-ree-ak-ter] / ˌbaɪ oʊ riˈæk tər /

noun

1. Biotechnology. a fermentation vat for the production of living organisms, as bacteria or yeast, used in industrial processes such as waste recycling or in the manufacture of drugs or other products.

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bioreactor Scientific  

/ bī′ō-rē-ăk′tər /

1. An apparatus, such as a large fermentation chamber, for growing organisms such as bacteria or yeast under controlled conditions. Bioreactors are used in the biotechnological production of substances such as pharmaceuticals, antibodies, or vaccines, or for the bioconversion of organic waste.

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Etymology

Origin of bioreactor

First recorded in 1970–75; bio- + reactor

Example Sentences

We’ve assembled a superbly interesting and diverse crowd of leaders, ranging from LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner to Leroy Mwasaru of Kenya, whose Human Waste Bioreactor converts you-know-what into methane for cooking and heating.

From Forbes • Nov. 8, 2014