biology
This term carries a clinical and academic weight, evoking images of laboratories, microscopes, and taxonomic charts. It suggests a systematic approach to understanding life through empirical evidence and biological laws.
In contemporary conversation, the word is often used to describe an innate, physical predisposition rather than the academic field. When someone refers to their biology, they are usually discussing genetic traits or hormonal influences that dictate behavior or health, distinguishing these hard-wired factors from psychological or social influences.
Uncountable when referring to the academic discipline or science. Countable when referring to the specific biological makeup of an individual or species.
Meanings
Examples
She decided to major in biology at university.
Collocations & Compounds
molecular biology
Noun collocation: the branch of biology that studies the molecular basis of biological activity
She specializes in molecular biology to understand DNA replication.
marine biology
Noun collocation: the study of organisms in the ocean or other bodies of salt water
His passion for marine biology led him to study coral reefs.
evolutionary biology
Noun collocation: the study of the origins and changes in species over time
Evolutionary biology explains how species adapt to their environments.
study biology
Verb collocation: to engage in the academic pursuit of biological sciences
Many students choose to study biology to prepare for medical school.
teach biology
Verb collocation: to provide instruction in the science of living organisms
She has spent twenty years teaching biology at the high school level.