biomimetics

noun, plural in form but singular in construction

bio·​mi·​met·​ics ˌbī-ō-mə-ˈme-tiks How to pronounce biomimetics (audio) -mī- How to pronounce biomimetics (audio)
: the study of the formation, structure, or function of biologically produced substances and materials (such as enzymes or silk) and biological mechanisms and processes (such as protein synthesis or photosynthesis) especially for the purpose of synthesizing similar products by artificial mechanisms which mimic natural ones
biomimetic adjective

Examples of biomimetics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The drone is an example of biomimetics, in which machinery, particularly drones, are designed to resemble living creatures in order to take advantage of the animal's physical advantages. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 23 Sep. 2021 The practice of modeling artificial products after biological processes is called biomimicry or biomimetics. Rachael Lallensack, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Dec. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'biomimetics.' 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

1970, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biomimetics was in 1970

Dictionary Entries Near biomimetics

Cite this Entry

“Biomimetics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biomimetics. Accessed 7 Oct. 2024.

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