Biotechnology Meaning
/ˈbaɪəʊˌtɛk.nɒl.əʊ.dʒi/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe use of living organisms (especially microorganisms) in industrial, agricultural, medical and other technological applications.
nounThe application of the principles and practices of engineering and technology to the life sciences.
Sentence Examples
Biotechnology will bring about a revolution in agriculture.
When did the word "biotechnology" come into common use?
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
Advances in ____ allow scientists to engineer crops resistant to pests.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Advances in ____ have led to many breakthroughs in modern medicine today.
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *gʷeyh₃-der. Ancient Greek βῐ́ος (bĭ́os) Ancient Greek βῐο- (bĭo-)der. English bio- English technology English biotechnology From bio- + technology.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Japan's strength lies in more traditional biotechnology such as fermentation."
— 1988, New Zealand Department of Trade and Industry, Biotechnology in New Zealand—A Business Perspective, page 8:
"The developments in biotechnology, particularly with the basic understanding of genetics, immunology, biochemistry, biochemical engineering and molecular biology, have paved the way for major biotechnology products and processes and have provided tools to the manufacturing and service industry."
— 2003, Mabju Sharma, Renu Swarup, “The Way Ahead - The New Technology in an Old Society”, in T. K. Ghose, P. Ghosh, editors, Biotechnology in India I, page 5:
"Moreover, Arnhart points out that both the proponents and critics of biotechnology are compelled to appeal to our natural moral sense."
— 2009, Sean D. Sutton, “Introduction”, in Sean D. Sutton, editor, Biotechnology: Our Future as Human Beings and Citizens, page 6:
"Agricultural biotechnology comprises a collection of scientific techniques, including genetic engineering, that are used to modify and improve plants, animals and microorganisms for human profit. Agricultural biotechnologies are not a substitute for conventional plant and animal breeding, but can be a powerful complement to improving the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural production."
— 2002, Charles Spillane, Yvonne Pinto, “1: Biosafety in Agrcultural Biotechnology: Balancing Social and Environmental Impacts”, in Timothy M. Swanson, editor, The Economics of Managing Biotechnologies, page 4:
"It therefore follows that we need to ensure that the conception, development, dissemination and application of biotechnologies are held to ethical democratic standars which ensure gender equality."
— 2008, Wendy Harcourt, “Chapter 1: Heading Blithely Down the Garden Path?: Some Entry Points into Current Debates on Women and Biotechnologies”, in Francesca Molfino, Flavia Zucco, editors, Women in Biotechnology: Creating Interfaces, page 38:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Advances in ____ allow scientists to engineer crops resistant to pests.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Advances in ____ have led to many breakthroughs in modern medicine today.