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Words with the root bio and what it means

The root bio comes from Greek and means life. This list collects common words that start with bio, along with a couple of words where bio appears later, so learners can see the pattern across science and everyday vocabulary.

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Words with the root bio and what it means

24 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
biographynounA written account of someone else's life, based on research and documented facts.He read a biography of Abraham Lincoln over the summer break.
biologynounThe scientific study of living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, and evolution.In biology class, we dissected a frog to study its internal organs.
biologistnounA scientist who studies living organisms and their processes.The marine biologist spent months tracking whale migration patterns.
biologicaladjectiveRelating to biology, living organisms, or the natural processes of life.Scientists study the biological effects of climate change on coral reef ecosystems.
biodegradableadjectiveCapable of being broken down naturally by bacteria or other living organisms.The company switched to biodegradable packaging to reduce plastic waste.
biodiversitynounThe variety of plant and animal life found in a particular habitat or the world.Rainforests contain an extraordinary level of biodiversity compared to most other ecosystems.
bioethicsnounThe study of ethical issues arising from advances in biology, medicine, and healthcare.Bioethics committees debate the moral limits of gene editing in humans.
biofuelnounFuel produced from living matter, such as plants or algae, rather than fossil sources.The bus fleet now runs on biofuel made from recycled cooking oil.
biohazardnounA biological substance, such as a virus or contaminated material, that poses a risk to human health.The lab technician disposed of the used needles in a marked biohazard bin.
biomenounA large natural community of plants and animals adapted to a specific climate and environment.The tundra is a biome characterized by cold temperatures and low vegetation.
biopsynounA medical procedure that removes a small sample of tissue for laboratory examination.The doctor ordered a biopsy of the lump to check whether the cells were cancerous.
biotechnologynounThe use of living organisms or biological processes to develop products and technologies.Biotechnology companies are engineering bacteria that can break down plastic waste more quickly.
bionicadjectiveHaving mechanical or electronic body parts that give a person abilities beyond normal human limits.The injured veteran received a bionic arm controlled by his own nerve signals.
biospherenounThe parts of Earth's surface, water, and atmosphere where living organisms exist.Scientists study how pollution affects the delicate balance of the biosphere.
autobiographynounA written account of a person's own life, composed by that person.In her autobiography, the astronaut described her difficult journey to becoming a pilot.
symbiosisnounA close, long-term relationship between two different organisms, typically benefiting at least one of them.The clownfish and the anemone live in a symbiosis that protects both from predators.
antibioticnounA medicine used to treat infections by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria.The doctor prescribed antibiotics to clear up the ear infection.
biochemistrynounThe branch of science that studies the chemical processes and substances occurring within living organisms.She earned a degree in biochemistry before going on to study medicine.
biomassnounOrganic matter, especially plant material, used as fuel or measured as a source of energy.The power plant burns biomass such as wood chips to generate electricity.
biomechanicsnounThe scientific study of the structure and movement of living organisms using principles of mechanics.The physiotherapist studied biomechanics to understand why the runner's knee kept buckling under stress.
biomedicaladjectiveRelating to the application of biological and physiological principles to medicine and clinical practice.The university opened a biomedical research center to develop new treatments for chronic diseases.
biometricadjectiveRelating to the measurement and analysis of unique physical or behavioral traits for identification.Airport security now uses biometric scanners that check fingerprints and facial features at the gate.
bioengineeringnounThe application of engineering principles to biology and medicine, such as designing medical devices or tissues.Bioengineering researchers developed an artificial heart valve using flexible new materials.
biofeedbacknounA technique that uses monitoring devices to help people consciously control bodily functions like heart rate.Biofeedback training helped her lower her heart rate during stressful moments.

What does bio- mean?

Bio- comes from the Greek word for life, so words built with it usually relate to living things. Biology is the study of life, a biodegradable material breaks down naturally, and biodiversity describes the variety of life in an ecosystem. Some words, like antibiotic and symbiosis, carry bio in the middle rather than at the start.

Frequently asked questions

What does the prefix bio- mean?

It means life, from Greek, so bio- words relate to living organisms, such as biology and biodiversity.