Biological: Definition, Usage & Common Examples

Meaning 1：relating to living things (biological)

biological 🔊

/ˌbaɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/

adj.

Relating to living things, such as animals, plants, or natural processes in organisms.

Biological concept illustration: scientist examining plant cells under a microscope in a lab.

relating to living things 🔊

➕

/rɪˈleɪtɪŋ tə ˈlɪvɪŋ θɪŋz/

adj.

Pertaining to or connected with living organisms, their functions, and natural processes.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'bios' (life) + 'logos' (study), with suffix '-ical'.

💡 Mnemonic

BIO means life, so biological relates to all living things.

📖 Example

My doctor explained that my sleep problems might be due to my biological clock being out of sync. 🔊 The doctor suggested that my sleep issues could be caused by a misaligned biological rhythm.

🔗 Collocations

biological clock – the innate timing mechanism regulating physiological cycles like sleep

biological diversity – the variety of life forms in a given ecosystem

🔄 Synonyms

organic (adj.) – derived from or relating to living organisms

natural (adj.) – existing in nature, not artificial or man-made

🚫 Antonyms

artificial (adj.) – made or produced by human beings, not naturally occurring

🌱 Derivatives

biologically (adv.) – in a manner relating to biology or living organisms

biologist (n.) – a scientist specializing in the study of living organisms

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Greek roots for life and study, entering English in the 19th century, commonly used in scientific and medical contexts.