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 The Biden administration this week is hosting a first-of-its-kind international summit about the use of artificial intelligence in the life sciences as governments and private industry increasingly push the boundaries of biotechnology. Alison Snyder, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024 Since then, there have been some amazing advances in the fields of biotechnology and bioscience, with the promise of even more astounding breakthroughs to come. Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 The biotechnology company Compass Pathways is poised to seek approval for psilocybin as a medication for treatment-resistant depression as soon as 2025. Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2024 Jasper Therapeutics Jasper Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing briquilimab, a drug that could potentially treat various conditions related to mast cells and stem cells, including chronic skin rashes and asthma. Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for biotechnology 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'biotechnology.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 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

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