Definition: Biotechnology

From New World Encyclopedia
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Etymology

From Ancient Greek βίο- (bío-), combining form and stem of βίος (bíos, “life”) + technology borrowed from Ancient Greek τεχνολογία (tekhnología, “systematic treatment (of grammar)”), from τέχνη (tékhnē, “art”) + -λογία (-logía, “study”). Synchronically analyzable as techno- +‎ -logy.

Pronunciation

  • /ˈbaɪəʊˌtɛk.nɒl.əʊ.dʒɪi/

Noun

biotechnology (usually uncountable, plural biotechnologies)

  1. the use of living organisms (especially microorganisms) in industrial, agricultural, medical and other technological applications
  2. the application of the principles and practices of engineering and technology to the life sciences
  3. genetic engineering

Derived terms

  • biotech (abbreviations, informal)
  • biotechnological

Related terms

  • bioengineering
  • biomimetics
  • biomodification
  • bionics

Credits

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