biotechnology

noun

bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnä-lə-jē How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
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
biotechnological adjective
biotechnologically adverb
biotechnologist noun

Examples of biotechnology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With a background in mechanical engineering, interaction design and media arts, her practice often involves poetic experiments that span disciplines, from wearable devices and performances to biotechnology and cosmic probes. Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025 It is set to be acquired by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology firm focused on using genetic data to develop new drugs. Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 Lamm, Colossal’s CEO, told CNN’s Fareed Zakaria last month that the biotechnology Colossal develops will be used to help rescue animals on the brink of extinction as well as those that have already disappeared. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 9 July 2025 Recursion's financial results presently illustrate the conventional hurdles encountered by clinical-stage biotechnology enterprises. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for biotechnology

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of biotechnology was in 1921

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Cite this Entry

“Biotechnology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biotechnology. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

biotechnology

noun
bio·​tech·​nol·​o·​gy ˌbī-ō-tek-ˈnäl-ə-jē How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce biotechnology (audio)
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
biotechnological adjective
biotechnologically adverb
biotechnologist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on biotechnology

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