# biological

/ˌbaɪəˈɫɑdʒɪkəɫ/ (US) · /bˌaɪəlˈɒdʒɪkəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/biological
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. relating to biology

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. related by birth

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. washing powder

adjective · CEFR B2 · British English

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. medical product

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

a medicine or product made from living cells or organisms.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The scientists are studying the biological effects of the new medicine.
- She decided to search for her biological parents after she turned eighteen to learn more about her family history.
- The research team examined the biological diversity of the coral reef to determine how rising ocean temperatures were affecting the local ecosystem's health.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.