biologic
|bi-o-log-ic|
🇺🇸
/ˌbaɪəˈlɑːdʒɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌbʌɪəˈlɒdʒɪk/
of living organisms; life-derived
Etymology
'biologic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'biologia,' where 'bio-' meant 'life' and '-logia' meant 'study'; in English the word formed from 'biology' + the adjectival suffix '-ic'.
'biologia' passed into Medieval/Neo-Latin as 'biologia', then via French/German 'biologie' into English 'biology'; from this, 'biological' arose in English, and the shorter variant 'biologic' became established as the modern English form.
Initially, it meant 'pertaining to biology or life processes'; later, especially in medicine, it broadened to include 'made from or derived from living organisms,' notably for therapeutic products.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a therapeutic product derived from living organisms, such as a monoclonal antibody or vaccine; a biologic drug.
The patient responded well to a biologic targeting TNF-alpha.
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Adjective 1
relating to living organisms or life processes; biological.
The study focuses on biologic rhythms in marine mammals.
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Adjective 2
produced by or derived from living cells or organisms, especially in medical or material contexts.
The implant uses a biologic scaffold to promote tissue regeneration.
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Last updated: 2025/08/10 04:39