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

• bioethicist
  noun
• bioethical
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of bioethics

First recorded in 1970–75; bio- + ethics

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bioethics

Eileen Anderson, a professor of bioethics at Case Western Reserve University and psychological anthropologist, says these types of experiences tap deep into the psyche.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026

“It’s impossible to tell patients about the full range of possible bad outcomes, because there are good reasons to think that’s infinity,” said Nir Eyal, who studies bioethics at Rutgers School of Public Health.

From Slate ● May 2, 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

“We are constantly underestimating animals,” David Mellor, a retired professor of applied physiology and bioethics, told Salon from his home in New Zealand.

From Salon ● Jul. 14, 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