Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Bioengineered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒฑ
Add to dictionary

bioengineered

[baษชoสŠหˆษ›ndส’ษชnษชrd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

science application

Bioengineered refers to organisms or products that have been modified through biological engineering techniques. This includes the use of genetic engineering to create desired traits in plants, animals, or microorganisms. The goal of bioengineering is to enhance capabilities or produce advantageous features for various applications, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and environmental sustainability.

Synonyms

altered organism, biologically engineered, genetically modified.

Examples of usage

  • Bioengineered crops can resist pests and diseases.
  • Scientists are developing bioengineered bacteria for waste treatment.
  • Bioengineered insulin is used to treat diabetes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a common example of bioengineering used to create crops that resist pests.
  • Bioengineered microbes are utilized in medical applications, such as producing insulin for diabetics.

Ethical Considerations

  • Debates surround the safety of bioengineered foods and their long-term effects on health and the environment.
  • Different cultures have varying views on bioengineering, influencing policies and acceptance worldwide.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Jurassic Park' explore themes of bioengineering through the resurrection of dinosaurs, highlighting potential consequences.
  • Bioengineered creatures appear in video games and literature, showcasing futuristic scenarios of genetic manipulation.

History

  • The first successful bioengineering of crops happened in the 1990s with 'Flavr Savr' tomatoes, which had a longer shelf life.
  • Throughout history, humans have been bioengineering via selective breeding, but modern techniques have accelerated this process.

Origin of 'bioengineered'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'bio', meaning life, and 'engineered', referring to the design and creation process.
  • The word gained prominence in the late 20th century as advances in molecular biology took off.

The term 'bioengineered' is derived from the combination of 'bio-', which originates from the Greek word 'bios' meaning 'life', and 'engineered' from the word 'engineer', which comes from the Latin 'ingenium' meaning 'cleverness' or 'skill'. The concept of bioengineering began to take shape in the mid-20th century with advancements in molecular biology and genetic research. Initially, bioengineering was applied mainly in medicine and pharmaceuticals, focusing on creating modified organisms for health benefits, such as producing insulin. The understanding of DNA and genetic manipulation led to the development of bioengineered crops in the 1980s and 1990s, allowing for better crop yields and resistance to environmental stresses. As technology progressed, the application of bioengineering expanded into various fields, including food production, environmental remediation, and biotechnology, leading to ongoing debates about the ethical implications and safety of bioengineered organisms.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,139, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.