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

Example Sentences

They tend to favour cryonics and bionics, which promise to resurrect the entire body or else supplement the living form with technologies to indefinitely extend life.

From The Guardian • Apr. 18, 2017

I descended a stairwell and walked out into their bionics plant.

From Nature • Aug. 25, 2015

That leaves Deus Ex and Hitman, and the former is the more mainstream of the two, which is jaw-dropping considering Deus Ex is a game about the politics of identity, bionics, and human progress.

From The Verge • Jun. 4, 2015

The boxfish carapace may still find utility in bionics, but based on what we now know about its instability, perhaps a better place to start would be with spinning, vomit-soaked amusement park rides.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 2015

I understand this much, even if I still don't understand about bionics or what it means to be a human robot.

From "Freak The Mighty" by Rodman Philbrick