biotechnology

noun

bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnä-lə-jē 

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

: ergonomics sense 1

biotechnological

ˌbī-ō-ˌtek-nə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

adjective

biotechnologically

ˌbī-ō-ˌtek-nə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

biotechnologist

ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnä-lə-jist 

noun

Examples of biotechnology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Those positions appeared more consistent with Buffett's traditional preference for mature cash-generating businesses than speculative biotechnology ventures, and most were later reduced or eliminated. — Steve Brozak, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Founded in 2021, the biotechnology platform discovers new molecules for consumer wellness applications using artificial intelligence. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for biotechnology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology

Kids Definition

biotechnology

noun

bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnäl-ə-jē 

: 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 

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

: ergonomics

biotechnological

-ˌtek-nə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

adjective

biotechnologically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

biotechnologist

-tek-ˈnäl-ə-jəst 

noun