biotechnology

noun

1
: the manipulation (as through genetic engineering) of living organisms or their components to produce useful usually commercial products (such as pest resistant crops, new bacterial strains, or novel pharmaceuticals)
also : any of various applications of biological science used in such manipulation
2

Examples of biotechnology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Its biotechnology could now serve a more immediate military application. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026 Think of them as an information arms dealer to the entire pharma and biotechnology industry. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 Choose from massages or facials, like the Cellular Activating Hydration service using Pietro Simone Skincare biotechnology. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026 Rubedo Life Sciences, a biotechnology company based in Mountain View, California, tested its investigational treatment, RLS-1496, in patients with eczema and other skin conditions. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for biotechnology

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of biotechnology was in 1921

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Cite this Entry

“Biotechnology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biotechnology. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

biotechnology

noun
: the manipulation (as by changing genetic material) of living things to produce useful products (as crops resistant to disease)

Medical Definition

biotechnology

noun
plural biotechnologies
1
: the manipulation (as through genetic engineering) of living organisms or their components to produce useful usually commercial products (as pest resistant crops, new bacterial strains, or novel pharmaceuticals)
also : any of various applications of biological science used in such manipulation
2

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