British Dictionary definitions for biotechnology Expand

/batknld/

(in industry) the technique of using microorganisms, such as bacteria, to perform chemical processing, such as waste recycling, or to produce other materials, such as beer and wine, cheese, antibiotics, and (using genetic engineering) hormones, vaccines, etc

Derived Forms

biotechnological (batknldkl) adjectivebiotechnologically, adverbbiotechnologist, noun

Word Origin and History for biotechnology Expand

also bio-technology, 1947, "use of machinery in relation to human needs;" 1972 in sense of "use of biological processes in industrial production," from bio- + technology.

biotechnology in Medicine Expand

biotechnology biotechnology (b'-tk-nl'-j) n.

The use of microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeasts, or biological substances, such as enzymes, to perform specific industrial or manufacturing processes. Applications include production of certain drugs, synthetic hormones, and bulk foodstuffs.

The application of the principles of engineering and technology to the life sciences.

biotechnology in Science Expand

The use of a living organism to solve an engineering problem or perform an industrial task. Using bacteria that feed on hydrocarbons to clean up an oil spill is one example of biotechnology.

The use of biological substances or techniques to engineer or manufacture a product or substance, as when cells that produce antibodies are cloned in order to study their effects on cancer cells. See more at genetic engineering.

Excerpt from:
Biotechnology | Define Biotechnology at Dictionary.com