The term biological is used in many different contexts, from the study of living organisms to the processes that occur within them. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of biological, its origin, and its associations, as well as its synonyms and antonyms.
Definitions
The term biological is generally used to describe anything that is related to living organisms, including the study of their structure, function, and behavior. It can also refer to the processes that occur within living organisms, such as metabolism and reproduction.
Origin
The word biological comes from the Greek words bios, meaning life, and -logos, meaning study. The term was first used in the early 19th century to describe the study of living organisms.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, biological refers to “relating to the study of living organisms, their structure, function, growth, evolution, and distribution.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “of or relating to biology or to life and living processes.”
Associations
Biological is often associated with the natural sciences, particularly biology, which is the study of living organisms. It is also associated with medicine, genetics, and ecology, as these fields all involve the study of living organisms and their interactions with their environment.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of biological include:
- Life science.
- Biological science.
- Organic.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of biological include:
- Inorganic.
- Artificial.
- Synthetic.
- Non-living.
The same root words
Some other words that share the same root as biological include:
- Biopsy: the removal and examination of tissue from a living organism.
- Biosphere: the part of the earth where living organisms exist.
- Biodegradable: capable of being broken down by living organisms.
Example Sentences
- The study of genetics is a branch of biological science.
- The biological processes that occur within the human body are incredibly complex.
- The use of biodegradable materials is becoming increasingly popular in an effort to reduce waste.
- The biosphere is home to a vast array of living organisms, from microscopic bacteria to towering trees.