bionics

American  

[bahy-on-iks] / baɪˈɒn ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the study of how humans and animals perform certain tasks and solve certain problems, and of the application of the findings to the design of electronic devices and mechanical parts.

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bionics British  

/ baɪˈɒnɪks /

noun

1. the study of certain biological functions, esp those relating to the brain, that are applicable to the development of electronic equipment, such as computer hardware, designed to operate in a similar manner

2. the technique of replacing a limb or body part by an artificial limb or part that is electronically or mechanically powered

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bionics Scientific  

/ bī-ŏn′ĭks /

1. The use of a system or design found in nature, such as the ability of plants to store solar energy or the aerodynamic design of bird wings, as a model for designing machines and other artificial systems.

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Etymology

Origin of bionics

First recorded in 1955–60; bio(logy) + (electro)nics

Explanation

Bionics is the science of combining natural biological systems with technology. When an engineer designs a boat with an outer "skin" that mimics a dolphin's skin, she uses bionics. Today's science, medicine, and engineering fields all use bionics in various ways. Many prosthetic limbs are designed through bionics — in other words, they are engineered using biological structures like limbs, joints, and nerves, as well as modern technology. A person who's lost an arm and had it replaced with a bionic one can even learn to control it using her mind. Most experts describe bionics as a portmanteau of biology and electronics.