Word
biochemistry
Phoneticsbio·chem·istry
US/ˌbaɪoʊˈkɛməstɹi/
UK/bˌaɪəʊkˈɛmɪstɹi/
Definitions
01scientific study
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science Academic · Technical
n. the scientific study of the chemistry of living things.
n. the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms. Uncountable in this sense.
“She decided to study biochemistry at university because she was interested in how medicines work.”
“Advances in biochemistry have allowed researchers to map the complex metabolic pathways that govern cellular energy production and storage.”
Usage
Usually functions as an uncountable noun when referring to the academic field.
Synonyms
02chemical makeup of an organism
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the specific chemical qualities or processes of a particular person or animal.
n. the chemical characteristics or biological processes specific to a particular organism or system.
“The doctor explained that the patient's unique biochemistry made them sensitive to certain foods.”
“The study examined how the biochemistry of deep-sea fish differs from that of species living in shallower, warmer waters.”
Usage
Can be used as a countable noun when comparing the chemical systems of different individuals or species.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“This reaction paved the way for the shift from geochemical to metabolic reactions and explains how phosphorus became such a central player in our own biochemistry.” “After she started at the University of East Anglia, Pia Subong, 21, says she realised that biochemistry wasn't the right course for her and so switched to film and English.” “So, figuring out how to make a new protein can mean directly tinkering with biochemistry, providing new and potentially useful functions.” Etymology
From bio- + chemistry.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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