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

"Enhertu is a really good example of what we would call a biological drug, and right from initial experiments in a laboratory through to the clinic, they are much more expensive," he said.

From BBC

The defendant, of Old School Close in Banks, is charged with three counts of murder, 10 of attempted murder, possession of a knife, production of biological toxin, ricin, and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism.

From BBC

Conspiracy theories have grown up around contrails, with some people alleging they are in fact “chemtrails” that contain chemical or biological substances.

From BBC

“There’s biological plausibility that it could be having an impact for sure,” Chaput told Salon in a phone interview.

From Salon

“I would say any monuments that Biden has already designated or is going to designate in the coming two months are at severe risk of being shrunken or eliminated by the Trump administration,” said Brendan Cummings, conservation director for the Center for Biological Diversity.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• organic