biotechnology

noun

bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnä-lə-jē 

1

: the manipulation (as through genetic engineering) of living organisms or their components to produce useful usually commercial products (such as pest resistant crops, new bacterial strains, or novel pharmaceuticals)

also : any of various applications of biological science used in such manipulation

2

: ergonomics sense 1

biotechnological

ˌbī-ō-ˌtek-nə-ˈlä-ji-kəl 

adjective

biotechnologically

ˌbī-ō-ˌtek-nə-ˈlä-ji-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

biotechnologist

ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnä-lə-jist 

noun

Examples of biotechnology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Small businesses can take advantage of breakthroughs in quantum science, advanced wireless technology, biotechnology and other emerging fields as these innovations move from research labs to practical applications. —Dale Fickett, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025

In addition to better-than-expected Q2 earnings per share and revenue, all three operating segments — biotechnology, life sciences, and diagnostics — beat estimates. —Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 30 July 2025

Colossal Labs, the biotechnology and genetic engineering company responsible for resurrecting the once-extinct dire wolves, met with Gareth Edwards, the director behind this summer's Jurassic World Rebirth (in theaters Wednesday). —EW.com, 1 July 2025

These collaborations have yielded groundbreaking products and services, fueling continuous innovation across the beauty tech landscape — spanning AI, biotechnology and smart devices — solidifying L’Oréal’s leadership at the forefront of technological advancement. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 30 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for biotechnology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology

Kids Definition

biotechnology

noun

bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnäl-ə-jē 

: the manipulation (as by changing genetic material) of living things to produce useful products (as crops resistant to disease)

Medical Definition

biotechnology

noun

bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy -tek-ˈnäl-ə-jē 

plural biotechnologies

1

: the manipulation (as through genetic engineering) of living organisms or their components to produce useful usually commercial products (as pest resistant crops, new bacterial strains, or novel pharmaceuticals)

also : any of various applications of biological science used in such manipulation

2

: ergonomics

biotechnological

-ˌtek-nə-ˈläj-i-kəl 

adjective

biotechnologically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

biotechnologist

-tek-ˈnäl-ə-jəst 

noun