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

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

"This study shows what's possible when we combine chemical synthesis with biochemistry, immunology, microbiology and infection biology," Professor Payne said.

From Science Daily • Feb. 6, 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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

Our technology can duplicate only a tiny fraction of the intricate biochemistry that our bodies effortlessly perform: we have only just begun to study these processes.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan