biochemistry

[bahy-oh-kem-uh-stree]

noun

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

2. the chemistry of living matter.

biochemistry

/ ˌbaɪəʊˈkɛmɪstrɪ /

noun

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

biochemistry

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

biochemistry

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of biochemistry¹

First recorded in 1880–85; bio- + chemistry

Example Sentences

A good story requires characters, and Mr. Kukushkin personifies atoms, chemicals, even entire biological kingdoms, using whimsical drama to illustrate fundamental principles of biochemistry.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As doctors were beginning to prescribe these drugs to patients in the 1960s, two views on brain biochemistry came together to offer new models for depression.

Read more on Salon

On top of that, Hu, a biochemistry major, is studying for final exams next week.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Research on the ISS has shown that the biochemistry of astronauts' bodies changes during long duration space missions: their hormone balance and iron levels alter, and they we lose calcium from their bones.

Read more on BBC

"In this research, we used genetic, biochemistry and medical questionnaire data on more than 500,000 individuals making it one of the biggest studies reported on the effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy."

Read more on BBC