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

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

The new method can also be utilized for observing and preserving 3D biological structures that are typically difficult to study in soil, opening new opportunities for research in plant and fungal biology.

From Science Daily

“I’m not going to allow biological men into women’s private spaces. It is the height of hypocrisy.”

From BBC

Phosphorus plays an essential role in various biological processes, like creating DNA structure and facilitating the energy transfer between cells, Li explained.

From Science Daily

Dunn is a professor of chemical and biological engineering at the McCormick School of Engineering.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• organic