Word
Definition
n. the use of living organisms, like cells or bacteria, to create new medicines, fuels, or ways of growing food.
n. the exploitation of biological processes for industrial and other purposes, especially the genetic manipulation of microorganisms for the production of antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals.
Examples
“Biotechnology helps farmers grow better crops.”
“Modern biotechnology allows scientists to edit genes for medical treatments.”
“The rapid expansion of biotechnology in agriculture has sparked debates regarding genetic modification and its long-term ecological impact.”
Examples
simple
“Biotechnology helps farmers grow better crops.”
contextual
“Modern biotechnology allows scientists to edit genes for medical treatments.”
complex
“The rapid expansion of biotechnology in agriculture has sparked debates regarding genetic modification and its long-term ecological impact.”
Usage
Usually uncountable; often shortened to 'biotech' in business and informal contexts.
Teaching tip
While 'biotechnology' is the formal academic term, 'biotech' is the standard term used in the business world and financial news.
Real-World Examples
“Developed by the biotechnology company Inventia Life Science, Ligō is designed to map a patient’s wound and print a precisely matched construct directly into it, nanoliter by nanoliter.” “The postwar research system laid the foundation for innovations ranging from microelectronics and biotechnology to the internet .” “These include one from biotechnology company Moderna using their mRNA vaccine technology.” Etymology
From bio- + technology.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
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- Academic, Technical
QR code
englishreference.com/q/biotechnology
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0