biological

[bahy-uh-loj-i-kuhl]

adjective

1. Biology.,  Also biologic relating to the science and application of biology.

   Ideal candidates will have appropriate training in both physical and biological chemistry.

2. Biology.,  relating to or involving living matter.

   Liquid nitrogen is critical for preserving blood, tissue, and other biological specimens.

3. Biology.,  relating to the living organisms of a region.

   We are hoping to manage the river valley so that we maintain and enhance the current level of biological diversity.

4. Biology, Genetics.,  related genetically, as a birth parent whose egg or sperm contributed to the DNA of a child.

   He met his biological father when he was 37.

   The Greenes have two biological sons and one adopted daughter.

noun

1. Pharmacology.,  Usually biologicals. biologic.

biological

/ ˌbaɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to biology

2. (of a detergent) containing enzymes said to be capable of removing stains of organic origin from items to be washed

noun

1. (usually plural) a drug, such as a vaccine, that is derived from a living organism

Other Word Forms

• biologically adverb
• nonbiological adjective
• nonbiologically adverb
• pseudobiological adjective
• pseudobiologically adverb
• semibiologic adjective
• semibiological adjective
• semibiologically adverb
• unbiological adjective
• unbiologically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of biological¹

First recorded in 1855–60; biolog(y) + -ical

Example Sentences

Early results suggest that mothers in the singing group saw a "nice steady decline in those levels throughout the intervention period," according to Carmine Pariante, professor of biological psychiatry at Kings College London.

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His current work aims to identify specific biological mechanisms that influence vulnerability to mental illness, with a strong focus on prevention.

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The researchers measured SXR and RAR activity in mouse neural progenitor cells treated with the newly developed compounds and found that the hybrids maintained the biological functions of both parent molecules.

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This new approach could pave the way for computers that run with the efficiency of living systems and may even connect directly with biological tissue.

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"But even someone like you, trained to be in stressful situations, shows a biological blood flow shift, so that suggests this 'nasal dip' is a robust marker of a changing stress state."

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Related Words

• organic