biotechnology

noun

bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnä-lə-jē How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
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
biotechnological adjective
biotechnologically adverb
biotechnologist noun

Examples of biotechnology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, as Chinese biotechnology companies develop drugs at a faster, cheaper clip than the U.S., they may well be positioned to fill the vacuum. Jennifer Lotito, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 For the biotechnology company, the shoe demonstrates what becomes possible when three distinct biological processes work together. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025 Harrow is a profitable biotechnology company focused on delivering a broad slate of best-in-class eyecare products to the US market. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 12 June 2025 More than two dozen states, along with the District of Columbia, are suing biotechnology company 23andMe over plans to auction off personal genetic information without their customers’ knowledge or consent. Filip Timotija, The Hill, 10 June 2025 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 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

biotechnology

noun
bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnäl-ə-jē How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
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
biotechnological adjective
biotechnologically adverb
biotechnologist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on biotechnology

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