biotechnology

noun

bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnä-lə-jē How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
1
: the manipulation (as through genetic engineering) of living organisms or their components to produce useful usually commercial products (such as pest resistant crops, new bacterial strains, or novel pharmaceuticals)
also : any of various applications of biological science used in such manipulation
2
biotechnological adjective
biotechnologically adverb
biotechnologist noun

Examples of biotechnology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Tourmaline Bio acknowledges the competitive landscape in the biotechnology sector and the challenges associated with drug development, including regulatory hurdles and market competition. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024 Roth said there's fear among scientists the public might think that biotechnology is going to save all the species. Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 27 Oct. 2024 In the past, Brisbane worked as a manager for a biotechnology mutual fund, according to a progress report from 2017 for the Cancer Research & Treatment Fund. Elaine Mallon, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Oct. 2024 Cockell first sees such biotechnology being used off world to extract nickel, copper or iron from rocks on the moon. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for biotechnology 

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of biotechnology was in 1921

Dictionary Entries Near biotechnology

Cite this Entry

“Biotechnology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biotechnology. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

biotechnology

noun
bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnäl-ə-jē How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
: the manipulation (as by changing genetic material) of living things to produce useful products (as crops resistant to disease)

Medical Definition

biotechnology

noun
bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy -tek-ˈnäl-ə-jē How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
plural biotechnologies
1
: the manipulation (as through genetic engineering) of living organisms or their components to produce useful usually commercial products (as pest resistant crops, new bacterial strains, or novel pharmaceuticals)
also : any of various applications of biological science used in such manipulation
2
biotechnological adjective
biotechnologically adverb
biotechnologist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on biotechnology

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!