Biology
/baɪˈɒl.ə.dʒi/noun
The scientific study of life and living organisms.
Did you know?The term 'Biology' appeared in the early 19th century, combining 'bio' (life) and 'logos' (study), but its roots trace back to ancient philosophies that intertwined life with the cosmos and the divine.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
βίος (bíos)
“Life, vital force.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
λόγος (lógos)
“Study, discourse, reason.”
16th Century
Latin
biologia
“Study of living things.”
19th Century
English
biology
“The modern scientific study of life and living organisms.”
Explore more surprising origins