biomaterial

noun

bio·​ma·​te·​ri·​al ˌbī-ō-mə-ˈtir-ē-əl How to pronounce biomaterial (audio)
: a natural or synthetic material (such as a metal or polymer) that is suitable for introduction into living tissue especially as part of a medical device (such as an artificial joint)

Examples of biomaterial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This year, the Biden administration called on the federal government to assess the potential for biomaterials, including for plastics, fuels and medicines. Dieter Holger, WSJ, 17 Aug. 2023 The proposal also calls for bio-manufacturing facilities that could produce biomaterials; lab infrastructure to support biotech; and life sciences startups and workforce development and training. Lorraine Mirabella, Baltimore Sun, 14 Aug. 2023 The recall also may come as a shock to patients and physicians who assume biomaterial has been thoroughly vetted. Lizzy Lawrence, STAT, 11 Aug. 2023 By contrast, the Plant-Based 501 uses cotton sewing thread on a shrink-to-fit organic cotton denim, and Levi’s has collaborated with a range of U.S. biomaterials companies to create components that significantly reduce the petroleum percentage. Alison S. Cohn, Harper's BAZAAR, 7 July 2023 As a biomaterial in the polymer industry: Polyethylene is commonly used in plastic bags, films, and some types of plastic bottles. Alice Chi Phung, Discover Magazine, 19 July 2016 TômTex, a technology that plays in both those spaces, won Mills Fabrica’s 2020 TechStyle For Social Good award, and a sample is currently on display at the Fabrica (X) store as part of a half-year exhibit of biomaterials. Alden Wicker, WIRED, 22 Feb. 2023 Later, the researchers printed in situ living biomaterials on a glass surface inside an artificial colon. IEEE Spectrum, 22 Mar. 2023 Renewable biomaterials such as cellulose, silk, chitin, squid ring teeth and alginate offer low-carbon footprint alternatives to plastic. Melik Demirel, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'biomaterial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biomaterial was in 1960

Dictionary Entries Near biomaterial

Cite this Entry

“Biomaterial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biomaterial. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.

Medical Definition

biomaterial

noun
bio·​ma·​te·​ri·​al ˌbī-ō-mə-ˈtir-ē-əl How to pronounce biomaterial (audio)
: a natural or synthetic material (as a polymer or metal) that is suitable for introduction into living tissue especially as part of a medical device (as an artificial heart valve or joint)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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