ENGLISH
REFERENCE

biological

adj. · n.
US //ˌbaɪəˈɫɑdʒɪkəɫ// UK //bˌaɪəlˈɒdʒɪkəl// bi·o·log·i·cal
  1. 1 relating to biology (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    relating to living things like plants, animals, and the way they function.

    of or relating to biology and the study of living organisms.

    Example

    The scientists are studying the biological effects of the new medicine on mice.

    Example

    The researchers documented the biological processes that allow certain deep-sea organisms to survive under extreme pressure without sunlight.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun.
  2. 2 related by birth (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    related to someone by birth or blood, rather than by law or adoption.

    related by genetic consanguinity, specifically used to distinguish birth parents from adoptive or step-parents.

    Example

    She decided to search for her biological parents when she turned eighteen.

    Example

    The legal dispute raised complex questions about the rights of biological fathers in cases where the child was conceived through anonymous donation.

    Usage

    Commonly used in phrases like 'biological parents' or 'biological clock'.
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  1. 3 washing powder (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    a type of soap for clothes that uses natural helpers to remove stains.

    containing enzymes to assist in the breakdown of organic stains during the laundering process.

    Example

    You should use biological washing powder to get those grass stains out of your jeans.

    Example

    The manufacturer recommends using a biological detergent for protein-based stains, though it may irritate sensitive skin.

    Usage

    Commonly used to describe laundry detergent.
    • non biological
  2. 4 medical product (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Medicine

    a medicine or product made from living cells or organisms.

    a therapeutic product, such as a vaccine or toxin, derived from a living source rather than through chemical synthesis.

    Example

    The pharmacy stocks several biologicals used to treat rare immune diseases.

    Example

    The regulatory agency implemented stricter oversight for the production of biologicals due to the inherent variability of living cell cultures.

    Usage

    Often used in the plural form 'biologicals'.
    • biologic
    • biopharmaceutical
Origin

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.

Word family

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