biological
Americanadjective
-
Biology. Also biologic relating to the science and application of biology.
Ideal candidates will have appropriate training in both physical and biological chemistry.
-
Biology. relating to or involving living matter.
Liquid nitrogen is critical for preserving blood, tissue, and other biological specimens.
-
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.
-
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
adjective
-
of or relating to biology
-
(of a detergent) containing enzymes said to be capable of removing stains of organic origin from items to be washed
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of biological
Explanation
When you use the word biological, you're talking about life and living things. You'll recognize the root "bio-," meaning "life," as in biography — the story of someone's life — and biology — the study of living organisms. The woman who gave birth to you is your biological mother — she's passed her genes on to you and you're related to her, even if somebody else raised you. Anybody you share genes with is your biological relative. Biological cleaning products make use of natural enzymes, and they're supposed to be safe and non-toxic. On the other hand, biological warfare uses bacteria, viruses, and other naturally occurring poisons to injure and kill people.
Vocabulary lists containing biological
It's All in the Family
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Unit 3: Compelling Evidence
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Double Helix
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
In a new study published in the Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, we explored this question.
From Science Daily • May 21, 2026
“Regardless of the possible merits of new transmission, routing it through the heart of California’s largest state park makes no sense,” said Brendan Cummings, conservation director with the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity.
From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026
The most recent court case was initiated in 2020 by the Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity.
From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026
"This research revolutionizes our understanding of the jugal bone in snake and non-snake lizards," said Michael Caldwell, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, and a co-author on the study.
From Science Daily • Apr. 24, 2026
Now Doc of the Western Biological Laboratory had no right to practice medicine.
From "Cannery Row" by John Steinbeck
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
