biological

American  

[bahy-uh-loj-i-kuhl] / ˌbaɪ əˈlɒdʒ ɪ kəl /

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.

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noun

1. Pharmacology. Usually biologicals. biologic.

biological British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of biological

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

Example Sentences

"It's one thing not being able to carry your own child, but then not being able to have your own biological child felt like a whole new thing to deal with."

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

"They will be biological, programmable, and intelligent. They will be the tools that allow us to finally master the molecular world."

From Science Daily • Mar. 31, 2026

He believes that any claims that FST-344 can lower biological age, improve longevity, or extend life are “100 percent marketing hype.”

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

However, most of that evidence has been based on correlations, and the biological processes behind those links have remained unclear.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2026

Herschel was particularly interested in the creation of biological organisms—and his methodical mind broke the problem down to its two basic components.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Related Words

• organic