biochemistry

noun

bio·​chem·​is·​try ˌbī-ō-ˈke-mə-strē How to pronounce biochemistry (audio)
1
: chemistry that deals with the chemical compounds and processes occurring in organisms
2
: the chemical characteristics and reactions of a particular living organism or biological substance
biochemist
ˌbī-ō-ˈke-mist How to pronounce biochemistry (audio)
noun

Examples of biochemistry in a Sentence

advances in the field of biochemistry
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Zahra was completing a master’s in biochemistry. — Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 21 May 2026 Dutton is a double major, having studied biochemistry and chemistry. — Joe Holden, CBS News, 8 May 2026 Jennifer Doudna is a professor of biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology. — Quanta Magazine, 11 June 2026 But behind the social media excitement lies an organism of genuine scientific significance, one whose biochemistry has shaped entire fields of research. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for biochemistry

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of biochemistry was in 1848

Rhymes for biochemistry

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Browse Nearby Words

biochemical oxygen demand
biochemistry
biochip
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Cite this Entry

“Biochemistry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biochemistry. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

biochemistry

noun
bio·​chem·​is·​try ˌbī-ō-ˈkem-ə-strē How to pronounce biochemistry (audio)
: chemistry that deals with the chemical compounds and processes occurring in living things
biochemical
-ˈkem-i-kəl
adjective
biochemically
-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb
biochemist
-ˈkem-əst How to pronounce biochemistry (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

biochemistry

noun
bio·​chem·​is·​try -ˈkem-ə-strē How to pronounce biochemistry (audio)
plural biochemistries
1
: chemistry that deals with the chemical compounds and processes occurring in organisms
2
: the chemical characteristics and reactions of a particular living organism or biological substance
a change in the patient's biochemistry accompanied her psychological depression

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