biological

[bahy-uh-loj-i-kuhl]

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.

noun

1. Pharmacology.,  Usually biologicals. biologic.

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

Other Word Forms

• biologically adverb
• nonbiological adjective
• nonbiologically adverb
• pseudobiological adjective
• pseudobiologically adverb
• semibiologic adjective
• semibiological adjective
• semibiologically adverb
• unbiological adjective
• unbiologically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of biological¹

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

Example Sentences

Dominick’s mother never told him who his and Thomas’ biological father was, a mystery that eats away at him long after she’s gone.

From Salon

Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, meanwhile, is spending millions a year trying to reduce his biological age.

From BBC

Previous data from Femicide Census suggests far fewer women are killed by adopted sons than biological sons - three, as opposed to 172, over the period of the earlier study.

From BBC

"It is really important in a sport that is permanently trying to attract more women that they enter a sport believing there is no biological glass ceiling," said Lord Coe at the time.

From BBC

“My dad was really big on family, and not only family, but brotherhood. And I don’t even mean like, just biological brotherhood. I mean brotherhood and all that it entails.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• organic