biotechnology

noun

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

Examples of biotechnology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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