nonbiologic
|non-bi-o-log-ic|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑn.baɪəˈlɑdʒɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒn.baɪəˈlɒdʒɪk/
not from living organisms
Etymology
'nonbiologic' is formed in modern English by combining the prefix 'non-' (meaning 'not') with 'biologic', where 'biologic' is derived from 'biology' (from Greek 'bios' meaning 'life' and 'logos' meaning 'study' or 'discourse').
'Biology' entered English via French 'biologie' in the late 18th to early 19th century from Greek 'bios' + 'logos'; 'biologic' as an adjective developed from 'biology'. The prefix 'non-' has been used in English since Middle English (from Latin 'non') to form negations; 'nonbiologic' is a modern compound created by prefixation.
The compound initially and consistently meant 'not biological' (i.e., not derived from living organisms); its core meaning has remained stable, though usage has become more frequent in medical and pharmaceutical contexts to contrast with 'biologic'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a nonbiologic (noun): a drug, therapeutic agent, or product that is not a biologic.
Several nonbiologics are available for treating this condition.
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Adjective 1
not biological; not derived from or produced by living organisms — often used to describe drugs, materials, or processes that are synthetic or chemical rather than biological.
The study compared biologic and nonbiologic treatments for the disease.
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Adjective 2
in medical/pharmaceutical contexts: referring to therapies, agents, or products that are not biologic drugs (i.e., not derived from living systems), often contrasted with 'biologic' or 'biologic therapy.'
Nonbiologic agents, such as small-molecule drugs, may be prescribed when biologics are not suitable.
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Adverb 1
in a nonbiologic manner; by nonbiologic means.
The reaction proceeded nonbiologically under laboratory conditions.
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Last updated: 2025/11/09 13:07