# biotechnology

/ˌbaɪoʊˌtɛkˈnɑɫədʒi/ (US) · /bˌaɪəʊtɛknˈɒlədʒi/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. industrial/medical use of biology

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

the use of living organisms, like cells or bacteria, to create new medicines, fuels, or ways of growing food.

For teachers: 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.

- Advances in biotechnology have led to the development of life-saving vaccines and more resilient crops.
- The startup is leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology to engineer bacteria capable of breaking down plastic waste in the ocean.

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.

## 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.

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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.