biology

[bahy-ol-uh-jee]

noun

1. the science of life or living matter in all its forms and phenomena, especially with reference to origin, growth, reproduction, structure, and behavior.

2. the living organisms of a region.

   the biology of Pennsylvania.

3. the biological phenomena characteristic of an organism or a group of organisms.

   She is studying the biology of worms, especially in regard to their reproductive behavior.

biology

/ baɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the study of living organisms, including their structure, functioning, evolution, distribution, and interrelationships

2. the structure, functioning, etc, of a particular organism or group of organisms

3. the animal and plant life of a particular region

biology

1. The scientific study of life and of living organisms. Botany, zoology, and ecology are all branches of biology.

biology

1. The study of life and living systems.

Other Word Forms

• biologist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of biology¹

From the German word Biologie, dating back to 1805–15. See bio-, -logy

Example Sentences

I asked the researchers how we should read the finding that heart-related deaths go up so dramatically, but overall deaths don't - is it biology, or bias in the data?

From BBC

In 2024, a team of Bowling Green State University biology students recorded a significant reduction in cyanobacteria in Northwest Ohio’s Sandusky Bay thanks to the removal of an upstream dam.

From Salon

I wanted a baby badly, and the realities of biology were telling me I didn’t have much time to waste.

From Los Angeles Times

She is forever arguing that “biology” constrains women to “traditional gender roles.”

From Salon

With three A*s in A-level maths, biology, and chemistry under her belt, Lily-Rose was ready for a big night out in Liverpool.

From BBC

Related Words

• anthropology 
• biological science www.thesaurus.com
• ecology 
• environmental science 
• medicine 
• natural science 
• zoology