biotechnology

[ bahy-oh-tek-nol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. the use of living organisms or other biological systems in the manufacture of drugs or other products or for environmental management, as in waste recycling: includes the use of bioreactors in manufacturing, microorganisms to degrade oil slicks or organic waste, genetically engineered bacteria to produce human hormones, and monoclonal antibodies to identify antigens.

biotechnology

/ ˌbaɪəʊˌtɛknəˈlɒdʒɪkəl; ˌbaɪəʊtɛkˈnɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. (in industry) the technique of using microorganisms, such as bacteria, to perform chemical processing, such as waste recycling, or to produce other materials, such as beer and wine, cheese, antibiotics, and (using genetic engineering) hormones, vaccines, etc
2. another name for ergonomics

biotechnology

/ bī′ō-tĕk-nŏl′ə-jē /

1. The use of a living organism to solve an engineering problem or perform an industrial task. Using bacteria that feed on hydrocarbons to clean up an oil spill is one example of biotechnology.
2. The use of biological substances or techniques to engineer or manufacture a product or substance, as when cells that produce antibodies are cloned in order to study their effects on cancer cells.
3. See more at genetic engineering

Derived Forms

• ˌbioˌtechnoˈlogically, adverb
• biotechnological, adjective
• ˌbiotechˈnologist, noun

Other Words From

• bi·o·tech·ni·cal [bahy-oh-, tek, -ni-k, uh, l], bi·o·tech·no·log·i·cal [bahy-oh-tek-nl-, oj, -i-k, uh, l], adjective
• bio·techno·logi·cal·ly adverb
• bio·tech·nolo·gist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of biotechnology¹

First recorded in 1940–45; bio- + technology

Example Sentences

Some of the authors are employees of Evotec, a biotechnology company involved in drug discovery and development.

From Science Daily

This study showcases how cutting-edge developments in biotechnology are increasingly used to unravel nature's mysteries.

From Science Daily

The more promising sectors, such as electric vehicles, biotechnology and artificial intelligence, often require specialized training in science and technology.

From Los Angeles Times

Catherine Feuillet, chief scientist at Inari Agriculture, a plant biotechnology company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, says it’s not clear yet how important those particular genes will be but that the new resources have “massive” value.

From Science Magazine

He's now the head of quantum biotechnology at CSIRO, Australia's national science agency.

From BBC