Definition: Biotechnology
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)
- the use of living organisms (especially microorganisms) in industrial, agricultural, medical and other technological applications
- the application of the principles and practices of engineering and technology to the life sciences
- genetic engineering
Derived terms
- biotech (abbreviations, informal)
- biotechnological
Related terms
- bioengineering
- biomimetics
- biomodification
- bionics
Credits
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