Word
biotech
US/ˈbaɪoʊˌtɛk/
UK/bˌaɪəʊtˈɛk/
Uncountable noun Technology
Definition
n. the use of living things like bacteria or cells to make products, such as new medicines or better crops.
n. the application of biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof to develop or create products and technologies. Often refers specifically to the industry involving genetic engineering and molecular biology.
Examples
“She works for a biotech company that develops new vaccines.”
“Advances in biotech have allowed scientists to create crops that can survive in very dry soil.”
“The rapid growth of the biotech sector has sparked intense ethical debates regarding the patenting of genetic sequences and the long-term ecological impact of modified organisms.”
Examples
simple
“She works for a biotech company that develops new vaccines.”
contextual
“Advances in biotech have allowed scientists to create crops that can survive in very dry soil.”
complex
“The rapid growth of the biotech sector has sparked intense ethical debates regarding the patenting of genetic sequences and the long-term ecological impact of modified organisms.”
Usage
Commonly used as a modifier before other nouns, such as in 'biotech firm' or 'biotech industry'.
Real-World Examples
“If they’re given a set of keys from trusted organizations, like universities or major biotech companies, they can quickly determine whether an unknown protein is an AI design from a trusted source.” “Biotech crops will have an essential role in ensuring that there’s enough to eat.” Etymology
Clipping of biotechnology. Analyzable as bio- (“biological”) + tech (“technology”) or as a clipped compound, bio(logical) tech(nology).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/biotech