# biology

/baɪˈɑɫədʒi/ (US) · /baɪˈɒlədʒi/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. scientific study

noun · CEFR A2

the scientific study of living things like plants and animals.

For teachers: the branch of science that deals with living organisms and their vital processes.

- She decided to study biology at university because she loved learning about animals.
- Advances in molecular biology have allowed researchers to understand the genetic basis of many hereditary diseases with unprecedented precision.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the academic subject or field of study.

### 2. organism characteristics

noun · CEFR B2

the way a specific living thing works or behaves.

For teachers: the physiological, anatomical, and behavioural characteristics of a particular organism or species.

- The biology of the desert fox helps it survive in very hot weather.
- Understanding the reproductive biology of this endangered species is critical for the success of the captive breeding programme.

Usage: Often used with a possessive or 'of' phrase to specify the organism.

### 3. regional life

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

all the living things found in a certain area.

For teachers: the collective living organisms of a specific geographic region or environment.

- Scientists are worried that the local biology is changing because of the new dam.
- The unique biology of the Galapagos Islands provided Darwin with the essential evidence needed to formulate his theory of natural selection.

## Examples

- She studies biology at the local university.
- In our biology class today, we learned how plants turn sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.
- Advances in molecular biology have allowed researchers to map the entire human genome, providing deep insights into the genetic basis of many hereditary diseases.

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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.