biophysics

[bahy-oh-fiz-iks]

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the branch of biology that applies the methods of physics physics to the study of biological structures and processes.

biophysics

/ ˌbaɪəʊˈfɪzɪsɪst, ˌbaɪəʊˈfɪzɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the physics of biological processes and the application of methods used in physics to biology

biophysics

1. The scientific study of biological processes in terms of the laws of physics. Phenomena such as echolocation in bats and the stresses and strains in skeletal and muscular structures are analyzed and explained in biophysics.

biophysics

1. The study of living things using the techniques of physics.

Other Word Forms

• biophysical adjective
• biophysically adverb
• biophysicist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of biophysics¹

First recorded in 1890–95; bio- + physics