bioengineering
bioengineering — noun
1. the branch of engineering that uses technical knowledge to create devices, impla
the branch of engineering that uses technical knowledge to create devices, implants, and materials for treating patients and solving problems in biology
Dr. Okafor studied bioengineering at university before joining a team that designs artificial heart valves.
collocation: studied bioengineering at university
The bioengineering lab developed a material that helps broken bones heal in half the usual time.
Fatima's work in bioengineering produced a lightweight prosthetic leg that costs far less than older models.
Hakim chose a career in bioengineering after watching his grandmother struggle with a faulty hip implant.
The bioengineering department received a large grant to research new ways of delivering medicine into the body.
- biomedical engineering
nearly synonymous but focuses more narrowly on medical devices and implants rather than the full range of biological applications
- biotechnology
a broader term covering all technological uses of living systems, not only engineering approaches
2. the science of changing the genes of living things — such as plants, animals, or
the science of changing the genes of living things — such as plants, animals, or bacteria — to give them new traits, for example making crops that resist pests or drought
Many farmers now plant bioengineering crops that can survive long dry seasons without extra water.
bioengineering crops (genetically modified crops)
Elena read an article about using bioengineering to grow rice that contains extra vitamins.
Rafael discovered that pollen from his neighbour's bioengineered maize had drifted across the fence into his organic cornfield.
The bioengineering of bacteria has let scientists produce insulin far more cheaply than before.
Jun's class debated whether bioengineering should ever be used to alter the genes of human embryos.
- genetic engineering
a direct synonym; both terms refer to the same scientific field of altering organism DNA
- genetic modification
very close in meaning but often used specifically for the act of changing genes rather than the whole field