# biotech

/ˈbaɪoʊˌtɛk/ (US) · /bˌaɪəʊtˈɛk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/biotech
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the use of living things like bacteria or cells to make products, such as new medicines or better crops.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used as a modifier before other nouns, such as in 'biotech firm' or 'biotech industry'.

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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.