biotechnology
UK: ˌbaɪəʊtekˈnɒlədʒi | US: ˌbaɪoʊtekˈnɑːlədʒi
n. The application of biological processes, organisms, or systems to develop products or technologies.
n. The branch of science that combines biology and technology for industrial, medical, or agricultural purposes.
The word "biotechnology" merges "bio," derived from the Greek bios (life), with "technology," from Greek tekhnologia (systematic treatment of an art or craft). The term reflects the integration of biological sciences with engineering principles, emerging prominently in the 20th century to describe innovations like genetic engineering and pharmaceutical development. The prefix "bio-" anchors the word in living systems, while "technology" emphasizes methodological application, creating a cohesive concept of life-based innovation.
Biotechnology has revolutionized medicine through advancements like gene therapy.
Many agricultural crops are now modified using biotechnology to resist pests.
The company invests heavily in biotechnology to develop sustainable biofuels.
Critics debate the ethical implications of biotechnology in human cloning.
Her research in biotechnology focuses on biodegradable materials.