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.

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bioethics British  

/ ˌbaɪəʊˈɛθɪks, ˌbaɪəʊˈɛθɪsɪst /

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

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bioethics Scientific  

/ bī′ō-ĕth′ĭks /

1. The study of the ethical and moral implications of medical research and practice.

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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.

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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

• bioethical adjective
• bioethicist noun

Etymology

Origin of bioethics

First recorded in 1970–75; bio- + ethics

Example Sentences

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

Without the assurance of confidentiality, a president might well decide he’s better off steering clear of doctors altogether, said George Annas, a professor of health law, bioethics and human rights at Boston University.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 24, 2024

I felt like I had a strong network of fellow travelers, colleagues in the medical school, and particularly in the bioethics center, who would feel the same way about it.

From Salon • Jun. 20, 2024

University of California, Berkeley, law and bioethics professor Osagie Obasogie, who has studied excited delirium and sedation, said officers should be banned from influencing medical care.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 26, 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