bionics

noun

bi·​on·​ics bī-ˈä-niks How to pronounce bionics (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a science concerned with the application of data about the functioning of biological systems to the solution of engineering problems

Examples of bionics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This is summed up in the term bionics, which is a combination of the words ‘biology‘ and ‘electronics’. IEEE Spectrum, 12 Nov. 2020 Ingo Rechenberg, a bionics expert from Berlin, was the first to discover the flic-flac spider on an expedition to Morocco. Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 7 May 2014 Finally, bionics must not interfere with a soldier’s reintegration into civilian life, so no weird metal stuff sticking out of veterans’ foreheads. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 11 Dec. 2020 French Defense Minister Florence Parly said there are currently no plans to develop such bionics, but the panel decision does clear the way for their future development. Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, 11 Dec. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bionics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

bi- entry 2 + -onics (as in electronics)

First Known Use

1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bionics was in 1960

Dictionary Entries Near bionics

Cite this Entry

“Bionics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bionics. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

bionics

noun
bi·​on·​ics bī-ˈän-iks How to pronounce bionics (audio)
: a branch of science concerned with applying facts about the working of biological systems to the solution of engineering problems

Medical Definition

bionics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
bi·​on·​ics bī-ˈän-iks How to pronounce bionics (audio)
: a science concerned with the application of data about the functioning of biological systems to the solution of engineering problems

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