Meaning & use
biomimetic
Last updated
Meaning
adjectivenot comparabletechnical
describing a man-made material, device, or design that copies a structure or process found in living things.
Grammar: Used before a noun: biomimetic design. It is not usually used after a verb or with more/most.
Patterns
- biomimetic design
- biomimetic materials
- biomimetic approach
The engineers used a biomimetic design based on the shape of a kingfisher's beak to make the train quieter.
This biomimetic material copies the way lotus leaves repel water.
Researchers are developing a biomimetic robot that moves like a lizard.
Common combinations
- biomimetic design
- The building's biomimetic design keeps it cool by copying termite mounds.
- biomimetic materials
- Biomimetic materials can heal themselves like human skin.
- biomimetic approach
- Their biomimetic approach to problem-solving starts by studying how nature handles the same challenge.
- biomimetic robot
- The biomimetic robot swims like a fish.
- biomimetic research
- Biomimetic research often combines biology and engineering.
Synonyms and how they differ
- bio-inspired
- Similar meaning, but bio-inspired is broader and can describe anything influenced by nature, while biomimetic usually means the copying is direct and deliberate.
- imitative
- Imitative means copying something in general, not specifically nature; biomimetic always involves living systems.
Word family
- biomimetics noun
- The scientific field of studying nature to solve engineering problems.
- biomimicry noun
- The practice of copying natural designs and processes to make new products.
Commonly confused: biomimetic or bionic?
biomimetic vs bionic
Bionic describes a machine or body part that uses electronic or mechanical parts, often replacing a body part. Biomimetic describes something that copies nature but is not necessarily attached to a body.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'biomimetic' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Biomimetic is an adjective that describes a design copying nature, so it fits before a noun like 'swimsuit'. The other options use it as an adverb, verb, or after a linking verb, which is not standard.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “biomimetic”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.