synthetic biology

/ˈsɪnθɛtɪk baɪˈɒlədʒi/
nounIntermediate
💻Technology
technical

The design and construction of new biological parts, devices, and systems, or the redesign of existing natural biological systems for useful purposes.

Researchers in synthetic biology are developing bacteria that can produce biofuels.

This shows how synthetic biology can be used to create sustainable energy sources.

💡

This field combines biology, engineering, and computer science to create new biological systems.

Collocations

synthetic biology applicationsuses of synthetic biology in various fieldssynthetic biology toolstechnologies used in synthetic biology

Synonyms

Related Phrases

bioengineered organismphrase
an organism modified through synthetic biology

💡Pro Tip

Field-Specific Usage

Synthetic biology is primarily used in scientific and engineering contexts, not in everyday language.

Gold Rule

Precision in Context

Always use 'synthetic biology' in technical discussions about bioengineering, not for general biological studies.

📖Word Origin

From 'synthetic' (artificial) + 'biology' (study of living organisms). Coined in the late 20th century as a field.

📝Usage Notes

Often used in scientific and engineering contexts to describe the creation of new biological systems.

Word Breakdown

synthetic
artificial or engineered
prefix
+
biology
study of living organisms
root
English Dictionary