Origin: Greek suffix -ology
Biotechnology has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
the branch of molecular biology that studies the use of microorganisms to perform specific industrial processes
"biotechnology produced genetically altered bacteria that solved the problem"
the branch of engineering science in which biological science is used to study the relation between workers and their environments
"The biotechnology program focused on how industrial workers interacted with their noisy factory environments."
The use of living organisms (especially microorganisms) in industrial, agricultural, medical and other technological applications.
"Scientists are using biotechnology to engineer bacteria that can efficiently break down plastic waste."
In plain English: Biotechnology is using living organisms to create useful products for people.
"Many modern medicines are developed through biotechnology to help treat serious diseases."
Usage: Biotechnology refers to the application of biological systems or living organisms to develop products and technologies across industries like medicine and agriculture. It is often confused with general biomedicine but specifically emphasizes the use of life processes for practical innovation rather than just studying them.
The word biotechnology combines the prefix bio-, meaning life, with technology to describe the application of scientific methods to living organisms. It entered English as a modern compound term reflecting the fusion of biological science and industrial technique.