biological

adjective

bi·​o·​log·​i·​cal ˌbī-ə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

variants or less commonly biologic

ˌbī-ə-ˈlä-jik 

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

ˌbī-ə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• birth
• consanguineous
• natural

Examples of biological in a Sentence

the rights of the biological father in this case

Recent Examples on the Web

New ventures could differentiate by focusing on underserved demographics or integrating more complex biological signals like epigenetic clocks. —Abdo Riani, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

The measure sponsored by Rep. Peggy Scott, R-Andover, called for restricting participation in girls sports at the elementary and secondary school levels to biological females as determined by genetics and reproductive organs. —Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 22 Apr. 2025

The amendments needed 60% of the vote to pass — the proposal limiting girls sports participation to biological females got 31 of 53 votes (58.5%), and the other that would have created an open division for students aside from boys and girls competitions — garnered just 24.5% (13 out of 53). —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025

However, the study authors have not declared a definitive discovery of life beyond our planet — and experts remain skeptical about the idea of the molecules representing signs of biological activity. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing biological

• biological clock
• biological control
• biological oxygen demand
• biological parent
• biological warfare
• biological weapon
• non-biological

Rhymes for biological

• analogical
• astrological
• christological
• chronological
• cosmological
• cytological
• dialogical
• ecological
• ethnological
• ethological
• geological
• histological

Kids Definition

biological

adjective

bi·​o·​log·​i·​cal

ˌbī-ə-ˈläj-i-kəl

variants also biologic

-ˈläj-ik

1

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

2

: connected by a relationship involving heredity rather than by one involving adoption or marriage

his biological father

biologically

-ˈläj-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

Medical Definition

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

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb