biological

[ bahy-uh-loj-i-kuhl ]

adjective

1. Also biologic. Biology. 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.

noun

1. Usually biologicals. Pharmacology. biologic ( def 1 ).

biological

/ 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

noun

1. usually plural a drug, such as a vaccine, that is derived from a living organism

Derived Forms

• ˌbioˈlogically, adverb

Other Words From

• bi·o·log·i·cal·ly adverb
• non·bi·o·log·i·cal adjective
• non·bi·o·log·i·cal·ly adverb
• pseu·do·bi·o·log·i·cal adjective
• pseu·do·bi·o·log·i·cal·ly adverb
• sem·i·bi·o·log·ic adjective
• sem·i·bi·o·log·i·cal adjective
• sem·i·bi·o·log·i·cal·ly adverb
• un·bi·o·log·i·cal adjective
• un·bi·o·log·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of biological¹

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

Example Sentences

The brain circuitry underlying memory is widely known to differ based on biological sex, but sex-based drivers of aging and AD are still unclear.

From Science Daily

The authors hope their findings inspire more research into underlying biological differences.

From Science Daily

For example, recipients saw improvements in how far they could walk in six minutes, as well as substantial decreases in a biological indictor used to measure inflammation and predict risk of serious cardiovascular events.

From Science Daily

Anti-trans bigots love "debating" the bodies and biological functions of their targets.

From Salon

These specific changes are not known to be present in other forms of trauma, like poverty or bullying, suggesting that war may trigger unique biological responses in the body.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• organic