biological control

noun

1

: the reduction in numbers or elimination of pest organisms by interference with their ecology (as by the introduction of parasites or diseases)

2

: an agent used in biological control

Examples of biological control in a Sentence

She practices biological control in her gardening.

She uses biological controls in her garden.

Recent Examples on the Web

Between 2005 and 2019, managers tried biological controls to reduce numbers. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Dec. 2025

The report concluded that mirror cells could become a reality in the next 10 to 30 years and detailed the potentially devasting consequences if mirror bacteria were released into an environment and spread, evading natural biological controls and acting as dangerous pathogens. —Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025

This first-of-its-kind sighting revealed the worm’s potential as a biological control for the invasive species. —Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025

Predators, parasites and pathogens (disease-producing organisms) are the primary groups of natural enemies, also called biological control agents. —Nanette Londeree, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for biological control

• diethylstilbestrol
• amphibole
• asystole
• buttonhole
• casserole
• centriole
• decontrol
• glycerol
• metropole
• monopole
• multipole
• omeprazole

Kids Definition

biological control

noun

: attack upon pests by interference with their ecology (as by introduction of parasites)

Medical Definition

biological control

noun

1

: the reduction in numbers or elimination of pest organisms by interference with their ecology (as by the introduction of parasites or diseases)

2

: an agent (such as pyrethrum) used in biological control