bionic

adjective

bi·​on·​ic bī-ˈä-nik 

1

: of or relating to bionics

2

: having normal biological capability or performance enhanced by or as if by electronic or electromechanical devices

Did you know?

The science of bionics uses knowledge about how biological systems work to help solve engineering problems. The material Velcro, for example, was inspired by the way burrs behave when they stick to your clothes, and some computer chips are now wired in ways that imitate the "wiring" of the brain and nervous system. But in popular use, the adjective bionic almost always describes artificial limbs or other bodily parts that work as much like real ones as possible. A perfect bionic arm would move and function as easily as a real arm—a goal we're rapidly getting closer to.

Examples of bionic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

From there, the digital designs are recreated on paper using paint brushes controlled by its two bionic arms. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 Oct. 2024

But many prosthetics techs are hesitant to alter bionic parts. —Chloé Valentine Toscano, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2024

The researchers fit all participants with a novel bionic limb, which consisted of a prosthetic ankle, a device that measures electrical activity from muscle movement and electrodes placed on the surface of the skin. —Lizette Ortega, Washington Post, 1 July 2024

Herr and the other researchers have been working to develop a surgical procedure and bionic limb that together provide a functionality similar to what people without amputations experience. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bionic

adjective

bi·​on·​ic bī-ˈän-ik 

1

: of or relating to bionics

2

: having the normal biological ability to perform a physical task increased by special devices

Medical Definition

bionic

adjective

bi·​on·​ic bī-ˈän-ik 

1

: of or relating to bionics

2

a

: having normal biological capability or performance enhanced by or as if by electronic or electromechanical devices

b

: comprising or made up of artificial body parts that enhance or substitute for a natural biological capability

a bionic heart