biography root word

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[ bahy -oh ]

• biography .
• biographical .

a bio control service using praying mantises to reduce the population of garden pests.

• a combining form meaning “life” occurring in loanwords from Greek ( biography ); on this model, used in the formation of compound words ( bioluminescence ).
• See biography short for biography

combining_form

Discover more, word history and origins.

Origin of bio 1

Origin of bio 2

Example Sentences

That tweet came from Shay Horse, whose bio lists him as an independent photojournalist with ties to Occupy Wall Street.

In her Twitter profile bio, writer Liz Tuccillo calls herself a “relationship know-it-all.”

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, and one of the most bio-diverse and beautiful.

A brief bio is to be found in a deposition she gave in the criminal case before the felony charge was dropped.

This renewable (I mean renewed every single damn day) bio-energy (otherwise known as fetid rot) helps keep the coop warm.

All this is part of a vast new science which is called bio-chemistry, or the chemistry of life.

He has a sense of humor about all things except this sacred bio-chemistry.

Or bio-weapons; a man-made plague that had gotten out of control and all but depopulated the planet.

The same law holds good in bio-geography; here, too, area gives strength and a small territorial foothold means weakness.

The relation of life to the earth's area is a fundamental question of bio-geography.

Related Words

• autobiography
• recollection
• reminiscence

Words That Use bio-

What does  bio-  mean.

The combining form bio – is used like a prefix meaning “life.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in biology .

The form bio – comes from Greek bíos , meaning “life.” The Latin cognate of bíos is vīta , “life,” which is the source of words such as vital . Find out more at our entry for vital .

What are variants of bio -?

When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, bio – becomes bi – , as in biome . Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article for bi -.

Examples of  bio-

An example of a word you may have encountered that features bio – is biography , “a written account of another person’s life.” Biography comes from Greek biographía , which uses the equivalent of the form in the language.

We know bio – means “life,” while the – graphy portion of the word refers to “writing,” from Greek – graphia . Biography literally translates to “life writing.”

What are some words that use the combining form bio -?

• bioaeronautics
• biobehavioral
• biobibliography
• biodegradable
• bioelectricity
• bioflavonoid
• biology (using the equivalent form of bio – in German)
• biotope (using the equivalent form of bio – in German)

What are some other forms that bio- may be commonly confused with?

Break it down!

The combining form – logy is used to name branches of science or areas of study. With this in mind, what does biology literally mean?

[ ak -s uh -lot-l ]

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Definition of bio

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of bio-  (Entry 2 of 2)

Examples of bio in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bio.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1947, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near bio

bioabsorbable

Cite this Entry

“Bio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bio. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of bio-.

Combining form

from Greek bi-, bio- "life"

More from Merriam-Webster on bio

Nglish: Translation of bio for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of bio for Arabic Speakers

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Bio Words: A Comprehensive List of Words that Start with Bio

By: Author ESLBUZZ

Posted on Last updated: September 5, 2023

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Are you a biology enthusiast or just looking to expand your vocabulary? If so, you might be interested in learning about these bio words.  In this article, we will explore some of the most common and interesting bio words that you can use in your studies as well as casual conversations.

So, let’s dive in and discover some of the most interesting and useful words that start with this prefix!

Bio words – Image

Understanding Bio Words

When you see the prefix ‘bio’ in a word, it refers to something related to life or living organisms. This prefix comes from the Greek word ‘bios’, which means ‘one’s life, course or way of living, lifetime’. The prefix ‘bio’ is commonly used in scientific and medical fields to refer to living organisms and their constituents.

Here are some examples of words that start with ‘bio’ and their meanings:

• Biology : the study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment.
• Biography : an account of someone’s life, usually written by someone else.
• Biome : a large ecosystem characterized by its climate, vegetation, and wildlife.
• Biosphere : the part of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere where living organisms exist.
• Biopsy : the removal of a small sample of tissue from a living body for examination.

It’s important to note that the prefix ‘bio’ is not the same as the prefix ‘geo’, which refers to the Earth or the environment. For example, ‘geography’ is the study of the Earth’s physical features, while ‘biology’ is the study of living organisms.

Common Bio Words

One of the most well-known words that start with “bio” is biology. This field of science is concerned with the study of living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, and evolution. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in biology, you might study topics like genetics, ecology, and microbiology.

Another common word that starts with “bio” is biography. This term refers to a written account of someone’s life, often including details about their upbringing, education, career, and personal relationships. Biographies can be found in many different genres, including nonfiction, memoir, and historical fiction.

The biosphere is another term that starts with “bio.” This word refers to all of the living organisms on Earth, as well as the environments in which they live. The biosphere includes everything from the depths of the ocean to the tops of the mountains, and it plays a crucial role in supporting life on our planet.

Biodegradable

If you’re interested in sustainability and environmentalism, you might be familiar with the term biodegradable. This adjective refers to materials that can be broken down by natural processes, such as bacteria and fungi. Biodegradable materials are often used in products like packaging and clothing to reduce waste and pollution.

Biochemical

Finally, we have the word biochemical. This term refers to the chemical processes that occur within living organisms, including the reactions that allow us to metabolize food and produce energy. Biochemical research is an important field of study in medicine, as it helps us to better understand how our bodies function and how we can treat diseases.

Less Common Bio Words

Bioluminescence.

Bioluminescence is the emission of light by living organisms, such as fireflies, glowworms, and some types of jellyfish. It’s a fascinating phenomenon that has captured the attention of scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. Bioluminescence has many potential applications, including in medical imaging, environmental monitoring, and bioluminescent art.

Biomimicry is the practice of using nature as a model for human design. It involves studying natural systems and processes and applying those insights to solve human problems. Biomimicry has led to some remarkable innovations, such as Velcro (inspired by the way burrs stick to clothing) and bullet trains (designed to mimic the aerodynamics of a kingfisher’s beak).

A biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the body for examination under a microscope. Biopsies are commonly used to diagnose cancer, but they can also be used to diagnose other conditions, such as infections and autoimmune disorders. There are many different types of biopsies, including needle biopsies, surgical biopsies, and endoscopic biopsies.

Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is the application of computer science and statistics to the field of molecular biology. It involves the use of computational tools to analyze and interpret biological data, such as DNA sequences and protein structures. Bioinformatics has become an essential tool in many areas of biology, including genomics, proteomics, and drug discovery.

Biorhythm is the idea that there are three cycles that govern a person’s physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being. These cycles are known as the physical cycle, the emotional cycle, and the intellectual cycle. Biorhythm theory suggests that a person’s performance in these areas is influenced by the phases of these cycles. While biorhythm theory is not widely accepted by the scientific community, some people still find it interesting and use it to track their own cycles.

Scientific Bio Words

Biophysics is a field of study that combines biology and physics. It focuses on the physical principles that govern the behavior of living organisms. Biophysicists use techniques such as X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and electron microscopy to study the structure and function of biological molecules. Some examples of biophysical research include studying the mechanics of proteins and the interactions between molecules in cells.

Bioengineering

Bioengineering is the application of engineering principles to biological systems. It involves designing and developing new technologies and devices to improve human health and the environment. Bioengineers work on projects such as developing artificial organs, designing prosthetic limbs, and creating new medical imaging techniques. They also work on environmental projects such as developing new ways to clean up pollution and designing sustainable agriculture systems.

Biotechnology

Biotechnology is the use of living organisms or their products to create new technologies and products. It involves using genetic engineering and other techniques to manipulate the DNA of organisms to produce desired traits. Biotechnology has many applications, including developing new medicines, creating new crop varieties, and producing biofuels . Some controversies surrounding biotechnology include concerns about the safety of genetically modified organisms and the ethics of using animals for research.

Bioethics is the study of ethical issues related to biology and medicine. It involves examining questions such as whether it is ethical to use animals in research, whether it is ethical to genetically modify organisms, and whether it is ethical to use certain medical treatments. Bioethicists work to develop guidelines and policies to ensure that scientific research is conducted ethically and that the benefits of scientific research are balanced against any potential risks.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms on Earth. It includes all living things, from the smallest bacteria to the largest animals. Biodiversity is important because it helps to maintain the balance of ecosystems and provides many benefits to humans, such as food, medicine, and clean water. However, biodiversity is under threat due to factors such as habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution. Conservation efforts are underway to protect biodiversity and ensure that future generations can enjoy the benefits of a diverse and healthy planet.

Congratulations! You have reached the end of our article on bio words. We hope that this article has been informative and helpful in expanding your vocabulary.

As you can see, there are plenty of words that begin with “bio” that are worth knowing. From biology to biography, these words can be useful in a wide variety of contexts. Whether you are a student, a writer, or just someone who enjoys learning new words, we hope that you have found this article to be a valuable resource.

Remember, expanding your vocabulary is an ongoing process. Don’t be afraid to keep exploring and learning new words. And if you come across any other interesting words that begin with “bio,” be sure to share them with your friends and colleagues.

Thank you for reading, and happy learning!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common bio words?

There are many common words that start with the prefix ‘bio’. Some examples include biology, biography, biodegradable, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. These words are often related to life, living organisms, and the study of living things.

What is the meaning of the prefix ‘bio’?

The prefix ‘bio’ comes from the Greek word ‘bios’, which means life. When added to the beginning of a word, it usually indicates that the word is related to living organisms or the study of living things.

How can the prefix ‘bio’ be used to create new words?

The prefix ‘bio’ can be combined with other words to create new words that relate to living things or the study of living things. For example, ‘bioluminescence’ refers to the production of light by living organisms, while ‘biomechanics’ combines ‘bio’ with ‘mechanics’ to describe the study of how living organisms move.

What are some Greek words that start with ‘bio’?

In addition to ‘bios’, there are many other Greek words that start with ‘bio’. Some examples include ‘biota’, which refers to all the living organisms in a particular area, and ‘biome’, which describes a large ecological community of plants and animals.

Which scientific fields commonly use words that start with ‘bio’?

Many scientific fields use words that start with ‘bio’, including biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and biotechnology. These fields all involve the study of living organisms or the use of living organisms to develop new technologies.

What are some examples of ‘bio’ words used in social media hashtags?

Some popular social media hashtags that use ‘bio’ words include #biotech, #biohacking, and #biogas. These hashtags are often used to discuss new developments in biotechnology, ways to improve health and wellness through biohacking, and the use of biogas as a renewable energy source.

Some descriptive words that can be used in creative writing are:

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Here are some examples of academic words:

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The Academic Word List can be found in PDF format on the website of the University of Reading.

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Here are some good vocabulary words for narrative writing:

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The Academic Word List is a list of words that are commonly found in academic texts. It is intended to help students improve their vocabulary and comprehension of academic texts.

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One way to improve your English vocabulary using root words is to learn prefixes and suffixes. For example, the prefix \"un-\" means \"not\", so if you know the word \"happy\" and the prefix \"un-\", you can figure out that \"unhappy\" means \"not happy\". Similarly, the suffix \"-able\" means \"able to be\", so if you know the word \"read\" and the suffix \"-able\", you can figure out that \"readable\" means \"able to be read\".

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Living with 'Bio'

Quick summary.

The Greek root word bio means ‘life.’ Some common English vocabulary words that come from this root word include bio logical, bio graphy, and amphi bi an. One easy word that is helpful in remembering bio is bio logy, or the study of ‘life.’

The Greek root word bio means ‘life,’ and gives rise mostly to words from the realm of the ‘life’ sciences.

We’ve all taken bio logy (or bio ) classes, in which you learn all about ‘life.’ Bio logical processes have to do with the way ‘living’ organisms function. Micro bio logists study small ‘life’ forms, such as bacteria, viruses, and other one-celled organisms.

Speaking of life forms, amphi bi ans, such as frogs and salamanders, can ‘live’ both in water and on land. Amphi bio us military vehicles, such as tanks, can also operate or ‘live’ in both water and on land.

A bio graphy (or bio ) is a book that tells all about the events in someone’s ‘life,’ written by an author other than the subject of the ‘life’ history. An auto bio graphy, on the other hand, is a history of a person’s ‘life’ written by that person.

The adjective aero bi c refers to the oxygen a ‘life’ form requires in order to ‘live.’ Aero bi cs are simply exercises which cause ‘living’ organisms, such as yourself, to breathe faster as your body consumes more oxygen. Anaero bi c exercise almost completely depletes the oxygen from a ‘living’ organism’s body, such as an all-out sprint which leaves you gasping for air!

Sym bio tic organisms ‘live’ together, each needing the other to survive. An example of a mutually beneficial sym bio sis or ‘living’ together is between the clownfish and the anemone (think “Finding Nemo”). In this relationship which increases survival rates, the clownfish gets a protective home, and the anemone gets cleaned by the clownfish.

And just where can living organisms live and thrive? Why, in a bio sphere of course, or those parts of the Earth that support and allow the existence of ‘life.’

You can now add the knowledge of this handy root word bio to your, well, knowledge bio , which will hopefully make the rest of your vocabulary ‘life’ a bit more livable!

• biology : study of ‘life’
• microbiology : study of very small ‘life’ forms
• amphibian : ‘life’ living in water and on land
• biography : a ‘life’ history
• symbiosis : two ‘life’ forms living together
• aerobic : pertaining to air for ‘life’ to exist
• anaerobic : lacking air for ‘life’ to exist
• biosphere : part of the Earth where organisms ‘live’

Related Rootcasts

The fascinating parts of words.

Morphology is the study of how words are put together by using morphemes, which include prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Parsing the different morphemes in a word reveals meaning and part of speech. For instance, the word “invention” includes the prefix in- + the root vent + the suffix -ion , from which is formed the noun “invention.”

Etymology: Word Origins

Etymology is that part of linguistics that studies word origins. English vocabulary words are formed from many different sources, especially Latin and Greek. By determining the origins of the morphemes in English words, one is better able to remember and determine the dictionary definitions of words.

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Definition of biography noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• Boswell’s biography of Johnson
• a biography by Antonia Fraser
• The book gives potted biographies of all the major painters.
• blockbuster
• unauthorized
• biography by
• biography of

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Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.

prefix        root word     suffix

By adding a suffix and/or a prefix to a root word like “faith,” we can make other words such as “faithful,” “faithfully,” “unfaithful,” and “unfaithfully . ” These words are linked both in terms of spelling and meaning and are called a word family .

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Table of contents

What are root words, example root words, latin root words (free downloadable list), greek root words (free downloadable list), worksheet: root words, frequently asked questions about root words.

A root word is the fundamental unit of a word. A root word has nothing added at the beginning or the end. While some root words are standalone words in English, others need a prefix (like “anti-” or “un-”) and/or a suffix (like “-able” or “-ist”) to create a meaningful word.

For example, “cede” is a root word for other words like “recede” or “precedent,” but it is also a word on its own (meaning “to give up”). On the other hand, the root word “struct” does not constitute an understandable word in itself and other letters need to be added for it to make sense (e.g, “instructor,” “destruction,” “structural”).

Many words are created from Latin or Greek root words and usually cannot function as standalone words in English. For example, “chrono” comes from Greek and is the root of words like “chronology,” “synchronize,” and “chronic,” but it’s not a separate word in English.

Learning about root words can help you work out the meaning of new or longer words. When you know how to decode unknown words by identifying their root words and affixes (i.e., the prefix or suffix attached to them), you can navigate more complex or specialized texts. For example, many root words derived from Latin and Greek are common in math and science terminology, like “centi” (“hundred”) or “geo” (“earth”).

• When added at the beginning of the word, they are called prefixes . Common prefixes include: “an-” (“without”), anti- (“against”), “hyper-” (“over”), “non-” (“lack of”), “pre-” (“before”), and “post-” (“after”).
• When added at the end of the word, they are called suffixes . Common suffixes include: “-acy” (“state or quality”), “-able/-ible” (“capable of”), “-al” (“pertaining to”), “-ic/-ical” (“having the form”), and “-less” (“without”).

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Some root words can be used independently, while others need to be combined with a prefix (i.e., letters at the beginning), a suffix (i.e., letters at the end) or another root word (e.g., -logue) to form a standalone word.

Root words vs. base words

The terms root words and base words are often used interchangeably. However, they are not exactly the same. While root words cannot always be used as standalone words in English, base words can be used on their own or combined with other words or letters to create complex words.

For example, “code” is a base word that can be used independently or to create other words like “barcode,” “decode,” or “codify.” On the other hand, the root word “aud” (which comes from Latin) cannot be used by itself and has to be combined with other letters to form words like “auditorium,” “audition,” and “audible.” Because many root words are of Latin or Greek origin, they don’t make sense as independent words in English.

Sometimes, root words and base words overlap. For example, the word “act” is a root word of Latin origin, but also a standalone word in English. By adding a prefix or suffix, we get new words like “reaction,” “exact,” and “actor.” In this case, “act” is both a root word and a base word.

Below is a list containing common Latin root words, their meaning, and examples of words based on each root. You can also download this list in the format of your choice below.

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Below is a list containing common Greek root words, their meaning, and examples of words based on each root. You can also download this list in the format of your choice below.

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Base words can stand alone, but can also be combined with other letters to create new words.

Want to test your understanding of root words? Try the worksheet below. In each sentence, see if you can identify the root word(s) of the highlighted word.

• Answers & explanation
• The hotel lost our reservation, and the receptionist was really unhelpful .
• We came to a unanimous decision that more staff is needed during peak hours.
• ANOVA is an abbreviation of “Analysis of Variance”.
• My father is agnostic when it comes to religious matters.
• One of the three aqueducts supplying water to the Los Angeles area is from the Colorado River.
• The root word is help . The word “unhelpful” is made of three parts: “un-” (prefix), ”help” (root word), and “ful” (suffix).
• The root word is anim . The word “unanimous” is made of two parts: “unus” (meaning “one” in Latin) and “animus” (meaning “spirit” or “mind” in Latin).
• The root word is brev . The word “abbreviation” comes from Latin “ad” (prefix meaning “to”) and “breviare” (“shorten”), from brevis (“short”).
• The root word is gnost . The word “agnostic” is made of three parts: “a” (prefix meaning “not” or “without”), “gnost” (root word meaning “to know” in Greek) and “ic” (suffix).
• This word contains two Latin root words: aqua (“water”) and duct (“to lead”).

Although there is no particular rule for finding the root of a word, one way to do this is to check if the word has any affixes (suffix and/or prefix) added to it.

For example, the word “hyperactive” has the prefix “hyper-” (meaning “over”) and the suffix “-ive” (meaning “having the nature of”). If we remove the affixes, we get the root word (“act”).

The root word “dorm” means “sleep” in Latin. So words with this root word will have a meaning related to sleep. For example, the words “dormant,” “dormitory,” and “dormouse” all come from the same root word.

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biodiversity (n.)

also bio-diversity , "the range of variety in the living organisms of a given area," by 1988, from bio- + diversity .

Entries linking to biodiversity

mid-14c., diversite , "variety, diverseness;" late 14c., "quality of being diverse, fact of difference between two or more things or kinds; variety; separateness; that in which two or more things differ," mostly in a neutral sense, from Old French diversete "difference, diversity, unique feature, oddness:" also "wickedness, perversity" (12c., Modern French diversité ), from Latin diversitatem (nominative diversitas ) "contrariety, contradiction, disagreement;" also, as a secondary sense, "difference, diversity," from diversus "turned different ways" (in Late Latin "various"), past participle of divertere (see divert ).

A negative meaning, "perverseness, being contrary to what is agreeable or right; conflict, strife; perversity, evil" existed in English from late 14c. but was obsolete from 17c. Diversity as a virtue in a nation is an idea from the rise of modern democracies in the 1790s, where it kept one faction from arrogating all power (but this was not quite the modern sense, as ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, etc. were not the qualities in mind):

The dissimilarity in the ingredients which will compose the national government, and still more in the manner in which they will be brought into action in its various branches, must form a powerful obstacle to a concert of views in any partial scheme of elections. There is sufficient diversity in the state of property, in the genius, manners, and habits of the people of the different parts of the Union, to occasion a material diversity of disposition in their representatives towards the different ranks and conditions in society. ["The Federalist," No. 60, Feb. 26, 1788 (Hamilton)]

Specific focus (in a positive sense) on race, gender, etc., "inclusion and visibility of persons of previously under-represented minority identities" is by 1992.

word-forming element, especially in scientific compounds, meaning "life, life and," or "biology, biology and," or "biological, of or pertaining to living organisms or their constituents," from Greek bios "one's life, course or way of living, lifetime" (as opposed to zoe "animal life, organic life"), from PIE root *gwei- "to live."

The correct usage is that in biography , but since c. 1800 in modern science it has been extended to mean "organic life," as zoo- , the better choice, is restricted in modern use to animal, as opposed to plant, life. Both are from the same PIE root. Compare biology .

Trends of biodiversity

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updated on September 28, 2017

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Dictionary entries near biodiversity

biochemistry

bioclimatology

biodegradable

biodiversity

biofeedback

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