biotechnology

(bīˌō-tĕk-nŏlˈə-jē)

1. The use of microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeasts, or biological substances, such as enzymes, to perform specific industrial or manufacturing processes. Applications include the production of certain drugs, synthetic hormones, and bulk foodstuffs as well as the bioconversion of organic waste and the use of genetically altered bacteria in the cleanup of oil spills.
2. a. The application of the principles of engineering and technology to the life sciences; bioengineering.
   b. See ergonomics.

Related Forms:

• biˌo·techˈni·cal (-nĭ-kəl) adjective

• biˌo·techˌno·logˈi·cal (-nə-lŏjˈĭ-kəl) adjective