biotransformation
|bi-o-trans-for-ma-tion|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌbaɪ.oʊˌtræns.fɔːrˈmeɪ.ʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌbaɪ.əʊˌtræns.fɔːˈmeɪ.ʃən/
chemical change by organisms
Etymology
Etymology Information
'biotransformation' originates from the combination of 'bio-' meaning 'life' and 'transformation' meaning 'change in form or appearance'.
Historical Evolution
The term 'biotransformation' was coined in the 20th century to describe the process by which living organisms alter chemical compounds.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'the transformation of substances by living organisms', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the chemical modification made by an organism on a chemical compound.
The liver is a primary site for the biotransformation of drugs.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/01 03:28