Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to biology or living organisms: Pertaining to the science of life and living things, including their structure, function, growth, and origin.
   • Connected by genetic lineage: Describing a relationship between parents and their offspring through natural genetic descent, as opposed to legal or social relationships.

Usage

• The adjective biological is used to describe things connected to the natural processes of life or the science of biology. It is often used to specify a genetic or natural relationship, especially in contrast to social or legal ones (e.g., vs. ).

Examples

• Relating to biology:
  • The students conducted a biological experiment on plant growth.
  • Understanding biological processes is fundamental to medicine.
• Connected by genetic lineage:
  • She was reunited with her biological mother after many years.
  • The biological father has certain legal responsibilities.

Advanced Usage

• "Biological clock": A metaphor for the natural rhythm of physiological processes, often referring to the declining fertility with age.
  • She felt pressure from her biological clock to start a family.
• "Biological warfare": The use of toxins or infectious agents (like bacteria or viruses) as weapons of war.
  • International treaties prohibit the use of biological warfare.

Variants and Related Words

• Biologically (adverb): In a way that relates to biology or by natural genetic means.
  • The two species are biologically distinct.
  • He is biologically related to his siblings.
• Biology (noun): The scientific study of life and living organisms.
• Biologist (noun): A scientist who studies biology.

Synonyms

• Genetic: Relating to genes or heredity.
• Natural: Existing in or derived from nature; not made or caused by humankind.
• Organic: Relating to or derived from living matter.

Antonyms

• Adoptive: Related through legal adoption, not by birth.
• Non-biological: Not related by genetic descent; not involving living organisms.
• Inorganic: Not consisting of or deriving from living matter.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Biological diversity (biodiversity): The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
• Biological parent: A parent who has genetically contributed to a child's conception.
• Biological sample: A specimen taken from a living organism for analysis (e.g., blood, tissue).

Adjective

1. of parents and children; related by blood
   • biological child
2. pertaining to biology or to life and living things