Biology

Definition

Biology is a noun that refers to the scientific study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. It is a broad natural science that covers various sub-disciplines and fields.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /baɪˈɑːlədʒi/
• Respelling: by-AHL-uh-jee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /baɪˈɒlədʒi/
• Respelling: by-OL-uh-jee

Etymology

The word "biology" originates from the Greek words "bios," meaning "life," and "logos," meaning "study" or "discourse." It was first coined in the early 19th century to denote the scientific study of living organisms.

Derivatives

• Biological (adjective)
• Biologist (noun)
• Biologically (adverb)
• Biologize (verb, rare)
• Microbiology (noun)

Synonyms

• Life science
• Natural science
• Ecology

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "biology" is commonly used in academic, research, and educational contexts to refer to the study of living organisms. For example, "She majored in biology," or "Biology helps us understand the processes of life."

Related Terms

• Zoology: The study of animals and animal life.
• Botany: The scientific study of plants.
• Genetics: The study of heredity and variation in living organisms.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The scientific study of life and living organisms: Encompasses various aspects of life forms, including their structure, function, growth, and classification.
  • Example: "In her biology class, she learned about the cell structure of plants and animals."
• A field of natural science that includes sub-disciplines like botany, zoology, and ecology: Refers to specialized branches within biology that focus on specific groups or aspects of life.
  • Example: "Ecology, a branch of biology, studies interactions between organisms and their environment."