bioprocess

noun

bio·​pro·​cess ¦bī-(ˌ)ō-¦prä-ˌses+ How to pronounce bioprocess (audio)
plural bioprocesses
: a biological process that is used in the creation of a material or product
… has spent more than 20 years studying the bioprocesses and biotechnology … involved with creating vaccines.Wendy Leonard, Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City, Utah), 13 Oct. 2011
An example of a bioprocess would be using yeast to transform corn into ethanol.Nicklaus Lovelady, Belleville (Illinois) News-Democrat, 24 Feb. 2006
Older bioprocesses, such as fermentation, typically use whole cells and require separating the product from reaction batches.Chemical & Engineering News, 21 May 2001
bioprocessing noun
Researchers are finding ways to use bioprocessing and biotechnology to make paper and textile processing more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Mairin B. Brennan, Chemical & Engineering News, 23 Mar. 1998
… a bioprocessing facility that is making the culture medium in which stem cells will be grown. Terri Somers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Dec. 2006

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bioprocess was in 1981

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near bioprocess

Cite this Entry

“Bioprocess.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bioprocess. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!