biotechnology

1 of 2

noun (1)

bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnä-lə-jē 

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

: ergonomics sense 1

biotechnological

ˌbī-ō-ˌtek-nə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

adjective

biotechnologically

ˌbī-ō-ˌtek-nə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

biotechnologist

ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnä-lə-jist 

noun

biotechnologist

2 of 2

noun (2)

bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gist ¦bī-(ˌ)ō-ˌtek-¦nä-lə-jist 

: a specialist in biotechnology

Examples of biotechnology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

With her popular YouTube series, Huge If True, Abram, 33, breaks down topics like AI, space, and biotechnology with a shot of optimism. — Shannon Carlin, Time, 14 July 2026

Her research focuses on the diversity and function of microbial communities in extreme environments, with connections to biotechnology, climate change and environmental conservation. — Cristina Dorador, The Dial, 14 July 2026

The company's shares have struggled because biotechnology customers spent much of the past two years working through excess inventory accumulated during the pandemic. — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 14 July 2026

Meanwhile, some of the world’s largest beauty companies continue investing heavily in biotechnology, longevity science and precision skin diagnostics, with experts like NEXT Health evolving with the wellness shift. — Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

biotechnology + -ist entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1920, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for biotechnology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology

Kids Definition

biotechnology

noun

bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnäl-ə-jē 

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

Medical Definition

biotechnology

noun

bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy -tek-ˈnäl-ə-jē 

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

: ergonomics

biotechnological

-ˌtek-nə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

adjective

biotechnologically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

biotechnologist

-tek-ˈnäl-ə-jəst 

noun