Definition of biotechnology
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 1
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Recent Examples of biotechnology from the Web
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Expedition 51 performed hundreds of experiments in biology, biotechnology, physical science and Earth science.
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The Waltham, Mass., biotechnology concern asked for initial offers in recent weeks, some of the people said.
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The biotechnology, drug and agricultural industries backed Lexmark in the dispute, calling for broad patent rights.
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The biotechnology, drug and agricultural industries backed Lexmark in the dispute, calling for broad patent rights.
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Sequenom, which develops technology for analyzing variations in DNA, is poised to capitalize on renewed investor interest in biotechnology issues, with a $121 million offering slated for early next week.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'biotechnology'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of biotechnology
1921
Other Microbiology Terms
BIOTECHNOLOGY Defined for English Language Learners
biotechnology
playDefinition of biotechnology for English Language Learners
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: the use of living cells, bacteria, etc., to make useful products (such as crops that insects are less likely to destroy or new kinds of medicine)
BIOTECHNOLOGY Defined for Kids
biotechnology
playDefinition of biotechnology for Students
: the use of techniques from genetics to combine inherited characteristics selected from different kinds of organisms into one organism in order to produce useful products (as drugs)
Medical Dictionary
biotechnology
playMedical Definition of biotechnology
biotechnologies
1: the manipulation (as through genetic engineering) of living organisms or their components to produce useful usually commercial products (as novel pharmaceuticals); also : any of various applications of biological science used in such manipulation
2: ergonomics
Learn More about biotechnology
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Spanish Central: Translation of biotechnology Nglish: Translation of biotechnology for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about biotechnology
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