biocompatibility
|bi-o-kom-pat-i-bil-i-ty|
🇺🇸
/ˌbaɪ.oʊ.kəm.pəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/
🇬🇧
/ˌbaɪ.əʊ.kəm.pəˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/
suitable for living tissue
Etymology
'biocompatibility' is formed in modern English by combining the Greek-derived prefix 'bio-' (from Greek 'bios' meaning 'life') with the English word 'compatibility' (ultimately from Latin 'compatibilis'), where 'com-' meant 'together' and the root related to endurance or bearing together.
'compatibility' comes from Latin 'compatibilis' via Old French and Middle English; the modern compound 'biocompatibility' emerged in the 20th century as medical and materials science adopted 'bio-' compounds to describe properties related to living systems.
Initially, 'compatibility' meant the general ability to exist or work together; over time, the compound 'biocompatibility' has come to mean specifically the suitability of materials or devices for use with living tissue without causing adverse biological responses.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the property of a material or device that allows it to be in contact with living tissue or biological systems without causing harmful effects (toxicity, immune rejection, inflammation) and while performing its intended function.
Biocompatibility is a key requirement for materials used in implants and prostheses.
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Noun 2
a broader assessment of how a substance, device, or system interacts with biological environments (cells, tissues, organs, or whole organisms), including chemical, mechanical, and biological responses.
Regulatory testing evaluates the biocompatibility of new medical devices under various conditions.
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Last updated: 2026/01/01 18:55