biochemistry

noun

bio·​chem·​is·​try ˌbī-ō-ˈke-mə-strē 

1

: chemistry that deals with the chemical compounds and processes occurring in organisms

2

: the chemical characteristics and reactions of a particular living organism or biological substance

biochemist

ˌbī-ō-ˈke-mist 

noun

Examples of biochemistry in a Sentence

advances in the field of biochemistry

Recent Examples on the Web

The University of Washington The University of Washington created the project, noting the emergence of skilled players without a biochemistry background providing solutions. —Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025

Thanks to fat, our biochemistry hums along smoothly. —Bethany Brookshire, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2025

Abrupt temperature changes—like cold snaps—and prolonged periods of drought can stress plants, disrupting their normal biochemistry. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 19 Mar. 2025

Sarah Nicholls, a University of New Hampshire a biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology major,will pursue her Ph.D. in medical science, focusing her research on the protein tau, which is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for biochemistry

• biogeochemistry
• chemistry
• cytochemistry
• geochemistry
• histochemistry
• neurochemistry
• photochemistry
• phytochemistry
• thermochemistry
• electrochemistry
• immunochemistry
• radiochemistry

Kids Definition

biochemistry

noun

bio·​chem·​is·​try ˌbī-ō-ˈkem-ə-strē 

: chemistry that deals with the chemical compounds and processes occurring in living things

biochemical

-ˈkem-i-kəl

adjective

biochemically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

biochemist

-ˈkem-əst 

noun

Medical Definition

biochemistry

noun

bio·​chem·​is·​try -ˈkem-ə-strē 

plural biochemistries

1

: chemistry that deals with the chemical compounds and processes occurring in organisms

2

: the chemical characteristics and reactions of a particular living organism or biological substance

a change in the patient's biochemistry accompanied her psychological depression