biologic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “biologic” mean?
A preparation derived from living organisms, used in medicine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A preparation derived from living organisms, used in medicine.
Pertaining to biology; a product manufactured from living systems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In both regions, the primary use is as a noun in medical contexts. The adjective form is very rare and formal; 'biological' is standard.
Connotations
Clinical, pharmaceutical, high-tech medicine.
Frequency
Low frequency overall. Slightly more common in American medical literature, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “biologic” in a Sentence
The patient is on [biologic] for [condition].The [biologic] targets [specific molecule/cell].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “biologic” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The research focused on the biologic processes involved (highly formal).
American English
- Regulations for biologic products are stringent (technical).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in biotech/pharma industry reports and investment discussions.
Academic
Central in pharmacology, immunology, and medical research papers.
Everyday
Rare; might be heard from a doctor explaining treatment options.
Technical
Precise term in regulatory (FDA/EMA), clinical, and manufacturing contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “biologic”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “biologic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “biologic”
- Using 'biologic' as a general adjective (use 'biological').
- Confusing 'biologics' (drugs) with 'biology' (the science).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. As an adjective, 'biological' is the standard term. 'Biologic' is primarily a noun in medical/pharmaceutical contexts referring to a specific class of drugs.
The plural is 'biologics', commonly used to refer to this entire class of therapeutic products.
Yes. Examples include vaccines, monoclonal antibodies (like adalimumab), gene therapies, and insulin derived from recombinant DNA.
Their manufacturing process is complex, requiring living cell cultures under sterile conditions, and they are often for complex, targeted therapies.
A preparation derived from living organisms, used in medicine.
Biologic is usually formal, technical in register.
Biologic: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪ.oʊˈlɑː.dʒɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'BIO-LOGIC': a drug whose logic comes from BIOlogical systems.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIVING TOOL: A biologic is conceptualized as a sophisticated tool harnessed from living processes.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'biologic' most appropriately used?