biochemistry

[ bahy-oh-kem-uh-stree ]

/ ˌbaɪ oʊˈkɛm ə stri /

noun

the science dealing with the chemistry of living matter.

the chemistry of living matter.

Nearby words

biochemical, biochemical oxygen demand, biochemical pathways, biochemical profile, biochemist, biochemistry, biochip, biocidal, biocide, bioclastic, bioclean

Origin of biochemistry

First recorded in 1880–85; bio- + chemistry

Related formsbi·o·chem·i·cal

[bahy-oh-kem-i-kuh l] /ˌbaɪ oʊˈkɛm ɪ kəl/, adjective, nounbi·o·chem·ic, adjectivebi·o·chem·i·cal·ly, adverbbi·o·chem·ist, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for biochemical

The liver cells fulfill about 3,000 biochemical functions but they are massively reduced by tough connective tissue.
Anas al-Liby’s Health Care During Terror Trial Could Gouge Taxpayers|Jamie Dettmer|October 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I may be outsourcing the raising of my children, but not because I am lazy; I have the biochemical markers of a bad mommy.
Didn't I Feed You Yesterday?|Laura Bennett|October 5, 2008|DAILY BEAST
They also exchange information, mainly through gestures, noises, and biochemical signals.
The Civilization of Illiteracy|Mihai Nadin
Biochemical taxonomy of South American amphibians by means of skin amines and polypeptides.
The Genera of Phyllomedusine Frogs (Anura Hylidae)|William E. Duellman

Rain water more readily penetrates, carrying dissolved substances with it: biochemical decompositions also proceed.
The Enclosures in England|Harriett Bradley
The physiologist cannot afford to lose this process from the category of chemico-vital, or biochemical manifestations.
Epidemics Examined and Explained: or, Living Germs Proved by Analogy to be a Source of Disease|John Grove
Academic physicians should not dismiss this because we do not know its biochemical aspects.
Readings on Fascism and National Socialism|Various

British Dictionary definitions for biochemical

biochemistry

/ (ˌbaɪəʊˈkɛmɪstrɪ) /

noun

the study of the chemical compounds, reactions, etc, occurring in living organisms

Derived Formsbiochemical, adjectivebiochemically, adverbbiochemist, noun

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

Word Origin and History for biochemical (1 of 2)

biochemical

adj.

also bio-chemical, 1851, after German biochemisch, from bio- + chemical. Related: Biochemically.

Word Origin and History for biochemical (1 of 2)

biochemistry

also bio-chemistry, 1857, from bio- + chemistry.

Medicine definitions for biochemical

biochemistry

[ bī′ō-kĕm′ĭ-strē ]

n.

The study of the chemical substances and vital processes occurring in living organisms.

The chemical composition of a particular living system or biological substance.

Related formsbi′o•chem′i•cal (-ĭ-kəl) adj.

Science definitions for biochemical

biochemistry

[ bī′ō-kĕm′ĭ-strē ]

The scientific study of the chemical composition of living matter and of the chemical processes that go on in living organisms.

Culture definitions for biochemical

biochemistry

The study of the structure and interactions of the complex organic molecules (see also organic molecule) found in living systems.