biology
noun (uncountable)
UK/baɪˈɒl.ə.dʒi/US/baɪˈɑː.lə.dʒi/
The scientific study of living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution.
Example Sentences
She decided to major in biology because she has always been fascinated by the complexity of life on Earth.
Biology class typically covers topics such as cell structure, genetics, and ecology.
Many breakthroughs in medicine stem from advances in molecular biology and genetic research.
High school biology labs often involve dissection, allowing students to see how organisms are structured internally.
Fieldwork is a vital component of biology, enabling researchers to observe plants and animals in their natural habitats.
Marine biology focuses on life in oceans and other saltwater environments, studying creatures from coral reefs to deep-sea organisms.
Biology offers diverse career paths, from biotechnology and environmental conservation to clinical research and academic teaching, reflecting the subject’s broad and essential role in understanding life at every level.
Recent discoveries in microbiology have shown how tiny organisms can significantly influence not only human health but entire ecosystems worldwide, emphasizing the interconnectedness that biology investigates so thoroughly.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
The scientific study of living organisms and their vital functions.“Biology” is typically used as a noun referring to the science that examines life at all scales—from molecules to ecosystems. You might say, “I’m studying biology because I love learning about living things,” or, “Modern medicine relies heavily on advancements in biology.” When writing or speaking about biology, use it to describe processes, phenomena, or fields relating to living organisms. For example, you can reference cellular biology to discuss how cells work, or ecology to describe interactions within ecosystems. In more formal settings, it often appears in academic or scientific contexts, like scholarly articles and research papers. When explaining a concept that draws on biological principles—such as genetics, anatomy, or physiology—mention “biology” to emphasize the overarching field. In everyday conversation, you may use it to highlight your interests, like saying, “I find biology fascinating, especially how species adapt and evolve.” Whether discussing the intricacies of DNA replication or broader environmental issues, “biology” is the term you use to anchor the conversation in the scientific study of life.
Alternatives
While 'biology' is a comprehensive term that addresses every aspect of life and living organisms, you may also encounter related words and phrases that convey more specific areas of study. For instance, “life sciences” broadly groups disciplines investigating life processes, encompassing fields like neuroscience, biochemistry, and biomedicine. If your focus is on the interactions of living organisms with their environment, you might use 'ecology,' which zeroes in on relationships among species and their habitats. Meanwhile, 'zoology' and 'botany' are specialized subdivisions that concentrate on the animal and plant kingdoms, respectively. 'Microbiology' narrows the lens further, highlighting bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic life forms. These alternatives give nuance when discussing particular specialties in scientific or academic contexts. If you need a broader term for interdisciplinary study, 'biological sciences' can serve well, as it encompasses the myriad branches of biology. Selecting among these alternatives depends on whether you’re emphasizing evolutionary patterns, cellular functions, organismal behavior, or ecological dynamics, ensuring that your language accurately reflects your area of inquiry or the main topic of discussion.
Writing
When you write about biology, clarity and coherence are paramount. Start by outlining your main focus—be it genetics, ecology, or molecular biology—so your audience understands the scope of your discussion. Use precise terminology, but define technical words if your readers may be unfamiliar with them. Organize your text logically: begin with a broad overview, proceed to finer details, and then synthesize the information to show interconnections among concepts. Incorporate examples, case studies, or data to provide evidence for your points. Additionally, ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a cohesive argument or narrative. Cite reputable sources—journal articles, textbooks, or credible websites—to establish authority and reliability. Conclude by summarizing the key insights, highlighting why they matter, and suggesting potential areas for further inquiry, tying your message back to the core ideas of biology.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversations, biology often comes up when talking about health, the environment, or the amazing variety of life around us. You might mention something you learned in a documentary about how animals adapt, or bring up an article you read on the role of gut bacteria in digestion. If you’re in school, you could chat with friends about the experiments you did in class or discuss a tricky concept in genetics. In more social settings, biology can be a fun icebreaker—perhaps you watched a nature show showcasing weird and wonderful species, or you recently discovered an interesting fact about plants or the human body. Generally, you don’t need to delve into heavy jargon; it’s enough to share excitement about the wonders of life or to discuss practical ways biology impacts everyday living, such as medical breakthroughs, nutrition, and conservation efforts.
Etymology
The term 'biology' originated in the early 19th century, though its roots trace back to ancient Greek. It combines 'bios,' meaning 'life,' with 'logos,' meaning 'study' or 'discourse.' Early scholars often referred to the natural sciences more broadly, but over time, as knowledge expanded, a specific field dedicated to the study of living organisms became necessary. Consequently, 'biology' emerged to represent this distinctive branch of science, focusing on organisms’ structures, functions, growth, and evolution. Throughout history, notable figures like Aristotle laid philosophical groundwork for understanding life processes, and later scientists such as Charles Darwin revolutionized our grasp of evolution and natural selection. As research tools advanced—microscopes, genetics labs, and complex data models—biology branched into areas like microbiology, molecular biology, and ecology. This rich heritage underscores biology’s significance in explaining how life begins, flourishes, and interacts on our planet, from the simplest cells to the most complex ecosystems.
