biochemistry

American  

[bahy-oh-kem-uh-stree] / ˌbaɪ oʊˈkɛm ə stri /

noun

1. the science dealing with the chemistry of living matter.

2. the chemistry of living matter.

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biochemistry British  

/ ˌbaɪəʊˈkɛmɪstrɪ /

noun

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

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biochemistry Scientific  

/ bī′ō-kĕm′ĭ-strē /

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

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biochemistry Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• biochemic adjective
• biochemical adjective
• biochemically adverb
• biochemist noun

Etymology

Origin of biochemistry

First recorded in 1880–85; bio- + chemistry

Explanation

Biochemistry is the field of science that explores the molecules and processes that occur in living things. The term biochemistry comes from adding bio-, or "life," to chemistry, which is the science that deals with the composition, structures, and properties of substances, along with the reactions and transformations they undergo in combination. Looking at the human body through the lens of biochemistry can help us understand processes like digestion and nutrition. Proteins, carbohydrates, and other nutrients are all chemicals — and it's thanks to biochemical reactions that your body's cells are able to absorb glucose and create energy to keep you going.

Example Sentences

Ramos, a biochemistry student, said she was focused now on securing her status, continuing her studies, and building a life with her husband.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Arie Haagen-Smit was from the Netherlands, and at Caltech he researched plant biochemistry.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

According to senior author Isha Jain, PhD, a Gladstone Investigator, core investigator at Arc Institute, and professor of biochemistry at UC San Francisco, the study resolves a longstanding question in physiology.

From Science Daily • Feb. 21, 2026

Despite having no formal scientific training, Lorenzo's father, Augusto, studied medicine and biochemistry and concocted a potential treatment for ALD using acids from olive and rapeseed oils.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2025

I wanted to give up conventional biochemistry, which I believed incapable of telling us how genes work.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson