biodemography

noun

bio·​de·​mog·​ra·​phy ¦bī-(ˌ)ō-di-¦mä-grə-fē How to pronounce biodemography (audio)
: an interdisciplinary approach to demography in which biological considerations (such as genetic, epidemiological, and evolutionary determinants) are emphasized : the study of the influence of biological factors on demographic patterns (such as those relating to fertility, health, aging, and longevity) of human populations or populations of other sexually reproducing species
The authors, University of Chicago scientists, research the biodemography of aging. Here they use that emerging science to help lay readers understand what is and isn't possible in extending life.Mary Carroll, Booklist, December 2000
biodemographer noun
plural biodemographers
The reason, according to biodemographers, that average life expectancy will plateau is that many of the causes of early death—especially infectious diseases—have been dealt with. John E. Dowling, The Great Brain Debate, 2004
biodemographic adjective
Bogaert collected biodemographic data on gay and straight men raised in families with various combinations of older and younger brothers and sisters. Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2006

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biodemography was in 1945

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Dictionary Entries Near biodemography

Cite this Entry

“Biodemography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biodemography. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

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