biological

adjective

bi·o·log·i·cal | \ ˌbī-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl

variants: or less commonly biologic \ ˌbī-ə-ˈlä-jik

Definition of biological

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

Other Words from biological Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about biological

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Synonyms & Antonyms for biological

Synonyms

birth, consanguineous, natural

Antonyms

adopted, adoptive, nonbiological

Examples of biological in a Sentence

the rights of the biological father in this case

Recent Examples on the Web

Eating disorders are complex illnesses that stem from a variety of biological, psychological, and social factors. — Brittney Mcnamara, Teen Vogue, "Instagram Plans to Strengthen Ban on Pro-Eating Disorder Content," 12 Dec. 2018 For instance, if scientists see methane alongside many other hydrogen-rich gases, the source is likely not biological, said Seager. — Harrison Tasoff, Space.com, "NASA's TESS Satellite Will Supercharge Search for Nearby, Earth-Like Worlds," 15 Apr. 2018 These possibilities are close to becoming real thanks to technology that uses digital genetic code to chemically synthesize DNA strands overnight—essentially printing out biological material on demand. — Laine Higgins, WSJ, "This Company Aims to Deliver DNA on Demand With Its Biological Fax Machine," 12 July 2018 The divisions, announced Wednesday, include Innovative Medicines, which will focus on biological science and a new hospital medicines business. — BostonGlobe.com, "Papa John’s founder apologizes for racial slur," 12 July 2018 One exception is the proviso, codified in international law, to avoid potentially harmful interplanetary exchanges of biological material that could spark virulent epidemics on Earth or wipe out fragile alien biospheres. — Leonard David, Scientific American, "As Space Becomes a Busy Place, NASA Bolsters Its Planet-Contamination Police," 3 July 2018 Noreen Mulzac’s biological daughter had harsh words for the person who’d tormented her mother before killing her. — Crystal Hill, miamiherald, "‘Thank God we are finally rid of you,’ family says to son who killed adoptive mother | Miami Herald," 12 Apr. 2018 Degrees in biological science, engineering, computer science, mathematics or physical science are a must. — Craig Hlavaty, Houston Chronicle, "Dream Job Alert: Be NASA's next flight director and guide the next generation of space flight," 29 Mar. 2018 The dehydration resistance of water bears could help inform scientists on how to preserve biological material, like cells, crops, and meats. — National Geographic, "New Species of 'Indestructible' Animal Found in Surprising Place," 1 Mar. 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.