biological
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.relating to living things like plants, animals, and the way they function.
adj.of or relating to biology and the study of living organisms.
Simple“The scientists are studying the biological effects of the new medicine on mice.”
In context“The researchers documented the biological processes that allow certain deep-sea organisms to survive under extreme pressure without sunlight.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun.
Antonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.related to someone by birth or blood, rather than by law or adoption.
adj.related by genetic consanguinity, specifically used to distinguish birth parents from adoptive or step-parents.
Simple“She decided to search for her biological parents when she turned eighteen.”
In context“The legal dispute raised complex questions about the rights of biological fathers in cases where the child was conceived through anonymous donation.”
UsageCommonly used in phrases like 'biological parents' or 'biological clock'.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.a type of soap for clothes that uses natural helpers to remove stains.
adj.containing enzymes to assist in the breakdown of organic stains during the laundering process.
Simple“You should use biological washing powder to get those grass stains out of your jeans.”
In context“The manufacturer recommends using a biological detergent for protein-based stains, though it may irritate sensitive skin.”
UsageCommonly used to describe laundry detergent.
SynonymsAntonymsnon biological - 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a medicine or product made from living cells or organisms.
n.a therapeutic product, such as a vaccine or toxin, derived from a living source rather than through chemical synthesis.
Simple“The pharmacy stocks several biologicals used to treat rare immune diseases.”
In context“The regulatory agency implemented stricter oversight for the production of biologicals due to the inherent variability of living cell cultures.”
UsageOften used in the plural form 'biologicals'.
Synonymsbiologicbiopharmaceutical
Usage biological information · biological mechanisms · biological processes
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-der. Ancient Greek βίος (bíos) Proto-Indo-European *leǵ- Ancient Greek λόγος (lógos) Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-i-eh₂ Proto-Hellenic *-íā Ancient Greek -ῐ́ᾱ (-ĭ́ā) Ancient Greek -λογῐ́ᾱ (-logĭ́ā)bor. New Latin -logia New Latin biologialbor. English biology English -ical English biological From biology + -ical.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.