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Showing results for bioethics. Search instead for Virtue+Ethics.

bioethics

American  
[bahy-oh-eth-iks] / ˌbaɪ oʊˈɛθ ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)
  1. a field of study concerned with the ethics and philosophical implications of certain biological and medical procedures, technologies, and treatments, as organ transplants, genetic engineering, and care of the terminally ill.


bioethics British  
/ ˌbaɪəʊˈɛθɪks /

noun

  1. (functioning as singular) the study of ethical problems arising from biological research and its applications in such fields as organ transplantation, genetic engineering, or artificial insemination

"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

bioethics Scientific  
/ bī′ō-ĕth′ĭks /
  1. The study of the ethical and moral implications of medical research and practice.


bioethics Cultural  
  1. The application of ethics to the science and practice of biology, especially as modern science is applied to human life and reproduction.


Discover More

With the advent of cloning and research on embryonic stem cells, bioethics has become an important branch of scientific inquiry.

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of bioethics

First recorded in 1970–75; bio- + ethics


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.

See Examples For:

Even before her parents told her as an adult that she was donor-conceived, Audrey had qualified as a lawyer, specialising in bioethics law.

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2026

Eileen Anderson, a professor of bioethics at Case Western Reserve University and psychological anthropologist, says these types of experiences tap deep into the psyche.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026

First to speak was Neşe Devenot, who the story refers to as a “self-described expert in psychedelic bioethics who uses gender neutral pronouns.”

From Slate ● Mar. 7, 2025

"Children who choose to estrange themselves aren't making a little decision on a whim," explained Joshua Stein, a researcher who tracks online trends, especially those that intersect with psychology and bioethics.

From Salon ● Dec. 18, 2024

“I have a particular interest in bioethics, and Rae lets me explore that. Why’d you want to come here, Jenna?”

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson

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