Definition of "biotechnology" []

• The use of microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeasts, or biological substances, such as enzymes, to perform specific industrial or manufacturing processes. Applications include the production of certain drugs, synthetic hormones, and bulk foodstuffs as well as the bioconversion of organic waste and the use of genetically altered bacteria in the cleanup of oil spills. (noun)
• The application of the principles of engineering and technology to the life sciences; bioengineering. (noun)
• See ergonomics. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Expenditures on healthcare are driven by demand, which is spurred by income and by advances in biotechnology that make health interventions increasingly effective."
• "Increasing farm productivity through "unsustainable" methods like chemicals and biotechnology is actually more environmentally friendly becuase it frees up land for other uses."
• "Big pharmaceutical companies have been particularly interested in biotechnology companies like Actelion, whose drugs are either already on the market or nearing approval and can therefore quickly generate revenue."