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

According to the team, the findings, published Nov. 24 in Neuron and supported by the National Institutes of Health, may help uncover the underlying biological causes of nonheritable forms of Parkinson's disease.

From Science Daily

The team also examined isolated monocytes and used cell culture tests to explore the underlying biological mechanisms in greater detail.

From Science Daily

These enzymes operate similarly in all mammals, including humans, and their levels vary based on genetics, diet, and other biological factors.

From Science Daily

"Our study uncovers a new layer of biological regulation, a surveillance system through YTHDF2 that helps protect the body from excessive inflammation and inflammatory damage," He said.

From Science Daily

These long-term memories were thought to sit behind biological on-and-off switches.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• organic