ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bionic

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌbaɪˈɔnɪk// UK //baɪˈɒnɪk// bion·ic

adj. describing something that is made of both natural parts and artificial parts, like a machine. It often refers to technology that helps people with disabilities move or see better.

adj. relating to or involving the integration of biological systems with artificial or mechanical components. Often used to describe medical prosthetics or advanced robotics.


SIMPLE

He has a bionic arm that moves like his real one.

CONTEXTUAL

The latest bionic implants allow patients to control their robotic limbs using only their thoughts.

COMPLEX

Advances in bionic engineering have blurred the line between organic life and synthetic machinery, raising complex ethical questions about the future of human augmentation.

Origin

Blend of bio- + electronic. The superhuman sense is attributed to the TV shows The Six Million Dollar Man (1973–1978) and The Bionic Woman (1976–1978).

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