Synonyms

biologic

American

[bahy-uh-loj-ik] / ˌbaɪ əˈlɒdʒ ɪk /

noun

Pharmacology. Usually biologics. Also biological any diagnostic, preventive, or therapeutic preparation, as a serum or vaccine, derived from animal products or other biological sources.

Most of our biologics are isolated from human tissue.

adjective

Biology. biological.

Etymology

Origin of biologic

First recorded in 1850–55; biolog(y) ( def. ) + -ic ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I tried two different biologic drugs, shots that required me to see an allergist every few weeks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

In rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks joint linings, biologic drugs can control inflammation and prevent damage—though they may also raise infection risk or cause fatigue and nausea.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 23, 2025

The pharmaceutical giant saw the highest revenue for its blockbuster biologic drugs Skyrizi and Rinvoq, which increased by double digits from the same period last year.

From Barron's • Oct. 31, 2025

“We’re going to add new levels of biologic manipulation, whether it’s collagen or stem cells or things like that,” said Dugas, who worked with Dr. James Andrews.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 14, 2024

Evolution is still an infinitely long and tedious biologic game, with only the winners staying at the table, but the rules are beginning to look more flexible.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023