biochemist
UK: ˌbaɪəʊˈkemɪst | US: ˌbaɪoʊˈkemɪst
n. a scientist who studies the chemical processes and substances occurring within living organisms.
biochemist = bio<life> + chem<chemical> + ist<person who practices>
- bio: From Greek bios (life), referring to living organisms.
- chem: From Greek khemia (alchemy/chemistry), later Latin chemia, denoting the study of substances.
- ist: A suffix of Greek/Latin origin indicating a person specializing in a field.
Etymology Origin:
The word biochemist emerged in the late 19th century, combining bio- (life) and chemistry to describe a scientist studying chemical reactions in biological systems. The suffix -ist standardizes the term as a profession, akin to chemist or biologist. This reflects the interdisciplinary fusion of biology and chemistry during advancements in molecular science.
The biochemist discovered a new enzyme involved in cellular respiration.
As a biochemist, she researches protein structures in viruses.
The lab hired a biochemist to analyze metabolic pathways.
His work as a biochemist focuses on genetic mutations.
Biochemists often collaborate with pharmacologists to develop drugs.