Definition

Adjective: 1. Relating to biology or to life and living things: Pertaining to the science of life and living organisms, or to the substances, processes, or principles derived from them. - Example: The study of cells is a core part of biologic science. 2. Derived from a living organism: Referring to a product, such as a drug or therapy, that is made from or contains components of living organisms. - Example: The patient received a biologic medication to treat her arthritis.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Researchers are studying the biologic factors that influence aging.
  • This new treatment is a biologic agent designed to target the immune system.

Advanced Usage

• "Biologic response modifier": A type of biologic therapy that enhances or modifies the body's immune response to fight diseases like cancer or autoimmune disorders.
  • Example: Interferon is a well-known biologic response modifier.
• "Biologic plausibility": In scientific research, the concept that a causal association between a factor and an outcome is consistent with existing biological knowledge.
  • Example: The hypothesis has strong biologic plausibility based on known cellular mechanisms.

Variants and Related Words

• Biological (adjective): Often used interchangeably with "biologic," especially in general contexts. It is the more common form.
  • Example: She is conducting biological research on marine ecosystems.
• Biologically (adverb): In a way that relates to biology or living organisms.
  • Example: The two species are biologically distinct.
• Biology (noun): The scientific study of life and living organisms.
  • Example: He majored in molecular biology.

Synonyms

• Biological: Of or relating to biology or living organisms.
• Life-science: Pertaining to the branch of science concerned with living organisms.
• Organic: In a scientific context, relating to or derived from living matter.

Related Phrases

• Biologic warfare: The use of biological toxins or infectious agents with the intent to kill or incapacify. (Note: This is a compound term listed here as a related phrase, not as a definition of the standalone word "biologic").
  • Example: International treaties prohibit the development of weapons for biologic warfare.
• Biologic product: A product, such as a vaccine or therapeutic serum, derived from living sources.
  • Example: The FDA has strict regulations for approving new biologic products.

Notes on Usage

• The adjective "biologic" is used with similar meaning to "biological." In many modern contexts, especially in medicine and pharmacology (e.g., ), "biologic" is the preferred term. In general scientific discourse, "biological" is more frequent.
• It is primarily used as an attributive adjective (placed before a noun), as in or .

Adjective

1. pertaining to biology or to life and living things