Word
biological
Phoneticsbi·o·log·i·cal, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌbaɪəˈɫɑdʒɪkəɫ/
UK/bˌaɪəlˈɒdʒɪkəl/
Definitions
01relating to biology
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science
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.
“The scientists are studying the biological effects of the new medicine on mice.”
“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.
Antonyms
02related by birth
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.
“She decided to search for her biological parents when she turned eighteen.”
“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'.
Antonyms
03washing powder
B2 · Upper Intermediate British English
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.
“You should use biological washing powder to get those grass stains out of your jeans.”
“The manufacturer recommends using a biological detergent for protein-based stains, though it may irritate sensitive skin.”
Usage
Commonly used to describe laundry detergent.
Synonyms
Antonyms
04medical product
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Medicine Technical · Formal
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.
“The pharmacy stocks several biologicals used to treat rare immune diseases.”
“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'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “biological” in context.
Adjective
01. biological evolution
“Scientists study biological evolution to understand how species have adapted over millions of years.”
adj + noun
02. biological procedure
“The lab technician followed a strict biological procedure to ensure the samples were not contaminated.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“Collections of these naturally occurring phages could provide AI with something extremely valuable: a huge library of real biological solutions.” “Researchers suggest it may be a more natural rhythm, even if the biological reasons for it are still debated.” Etymology
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.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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