biological

adjective

variants: or less commonly biologic

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

1 : of or relating to biology or to life and living processes

2 : used in or produced by applied biology

3 : connected by direct genetic relationship rather than by adoption or marriage

her biological father

—

biologically

play \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See biological defined for English-language learners

See biological defined for kids

Examples of biological in a Sentence

the rights of the biological father in this case

Recent Examples of biological from the Web

Although behavioral scientists have observed the intergenerational transmission of mental illness, researchers like Columbia’s Tottenham are just beginning to understand the biological mechanisms that underpin mental health and dysregulation.

— katherine reynolds lewis, The Cut, "Can Scientists Tell Me If I’m a Good Mom?," 17 Apr. 2018
Many international health efforts aim to improve the response to one disease, but the GHSA builds infrastructure that can control a broad range of biological threats.

— thomas inglesby, Scientific American, "A Worldwide Effort to Stop Epidemics Is in Peril," 17 Apr. 2018
Devonte’s biological aunt, Priscilla Celestine, fought for custody of him and three of his siblings but was turned down by a Texas appeals court in 2010.

— Essence.com, "Devonte Hart's Adoptive Mother Intoxicated, Children Possibly Drugged In Case Of Woman Who Drove Family Off Cliff," 17 Apr. 2018
The condition had some biological basis, it was felt, and antidepressants became a vastly popular option.

— benedict carey, New York Times, "Antidepressants and Withdrawal: Readers Tell Their Stories," 17 Apr. 2018
Though the temperatures might limit whatever biological activity is found.

— julissa treviño, Smithsonian, "Super Salty Lakes Found Deep Below Canadian Ice Cap," 16 Apr. 2018
All life is suffering, as Buddhists and Buffalo Bills fans will attest, and the suffering of sports fans is a biological fact.

— derek thompson, The Atlantic, "In Praise of Fair-Weather Fandom," 16 Apr. 2018
Kushel said Bangsberg wasn't the one working in the lab on biological breakthrough.

— andrew theen, OregonLive.com, "Portland native son, after fighting HIV/AIDS around the globe, sets sights on homelessness," 14 Apr. 2018
In 2010, a Texas appeals court turned down an attempt by Devonte Hart’s biological aunt to adopt him and three of his siblings.

— anne branigin, The Root, "Devonte Hart’s Biological Aunt Fought for Custody and Was Denied: Report," 13 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'biological.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of biological

1818

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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biological Synonyms

Other Biology Terms

autochthonous, fecund, homunculus, phylogeny, substrate

BIOLOGICAL Defined for English Language Learners

biological

adjective

: of or relating to biology or to life and living things
: related through birth

BIOLOGICAL Defined for Kids

biological

adjective bi·o·log·i·cal \ ˌbī-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl \

1 : of or relating to biology or to life and living things

biological activity

2 : related by birth

Medical Dictionary

biological

adjective

variants: also biologic

1 : of or relating to biology or to life and living processes

2 : used in or produced by applied biology

3 : related by direct genetic relationship rather than by adoption or marriage

an adoptee who searched for years for her biological parents

—

biologically

play \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

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See words that rhyme with biological Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for biological Nglish: Translation of biological for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of biological for Arabic speakers

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