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

"Shift workers are essential to how our society functions, yet they often pay a hidden biological cost. This study shows we can do better for them."

From Science Daily

"They will be biological, programmable, and intelligent. They will be the tools that allow us to finally master the molecular world."

From Science Daily

The third region contains organic compounds that include nitrogen, an element that plays a key role in biological molecules such as amino acids.

From Science Daily

On the following “Dopamine,” she frames her emotional experiences in purely biological terms, “tripping on our chemistry” with a new lover as she wonders if the feeling can be trusted.

From The Wall Street Journal

A woman who was born without a womb and told she would not have children of her own went on to help deliver her biological son - who is about to celebrate his first birthday.

From BBC

Related Words

• organic