B2 noun Neutral

bionic

/baɪˈɒnɪk/

Refers to artificial body parts or organs that are electronically or mechanically enhanced to replace or improve biological functions. It describes the application of biological methods and systems found in nature to the study and design of engineering systems and modern technology.

Examples

3 of 5
1

After the accident, he was fitted with a bionic leg that allowed him to run again.

Following his injury, he received an artificial, electronically-powered leg that restored his ability to run.

2

The medical board approved the trial for a new bionic eye to assist the visually impaired.

The official medical committee authorized testing a high-tech artificial eye designed to help blind people see.

3

With these noise-canceling headphones, I feel like I have bionic hearing!

These special headphones make my sense of hearing feel super-powered or technologically enhanced.

Word Family

Noun
bionics
Adverb
bionically
Adjective
bionic
Related
cyborg
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'BIO' (life) + 'electroNIC' = BIONIC. It is a mix of life and electronics.

Quick Quiz

The scientist designed a _______ eye that could transmit visual signals directly to the patient's brain.

Correct!

The correct answer is: bionic

Examples

1

After the accident, he was fitted with a bionic leg that allowed him to run again.

everyday

Following his injury, he received an artificial, electronically-powered leg that restored his ability to run.

2

The medical board approved the trial for a new bionic eye to assist the visually impaired.

formal

The official medical committee authorized testing a high-tech artificial eye designed to help blind people see.

3

With these noise-canceling headphones, I feel like I have bionic hearing!

informal

These special headphones make my sense of hearing feel super-powered or technologically enhanced.

4

Recent breakthroughs in bionic interfaces allow for direct communication between the brain and prosthetic limbs.

academic

Scientific progress in electronic-biological connections enables the brain to control artificial body parts directly.

5

The company is leading the market in bionic exoskeletons for industrial warehouse workers.

business

The business is a top seller of wearable robotic suits that help factory employees lift heavy objects.

Word Family

Noun
bionics
Adverb
bionically
Adjective
bionic
Related
cyborg

Common Collocations

bionic limb an artificial arm or leg enhanced by electronics
bionic technology advanced engineering that mimics biological systems
bionic implant an electronic device placed inside the body to replace a function
bionic vision sight that is restored or improved by electronic devices
bionic exoskeleton a wearable mobile machine that allows for increased strength

Common Phrases

bionic man

a person who has many artificial body parts, often implying superhuman strength

bionic ear

a common informal name for a cochlear implant

bionic strength

physical power that exceeds normal human limits due to technology

Often Confused With

bionic vs robotic

Robotic refers to entirely mechanical machines, while bionic specifically refers to technology integrated with biological systems.

bionic vs prosthetic

Prosthetic is a general term for any artificial body part, whereas bionic implies the part has electronic or mechanical enhancements.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'bionic' when emphasizing the high-tech, electronic, or 'superhuman' aspect of an artificial limb or organ. It is commonly used in both medical science and science fiction.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'bionic' to describe any robot, but it must involve a connection to a living organism or the replacement of a natural body part.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'BIO' (life) + 'electroNIC' = BIONIC. It is a mix of life and electronics.

📖

Word Origin

Coined in 1960 by Jack E. Steele, combining 'biology' and 'electronics'.

Grammar Patterns

Used primarily as an attributive adjective (placed before a noun). Can be used in the noun form 'bionics' to refer to the field of study.
🌍

Cultural Context

The term was popularized globally by the 1970s television shows 'The Six Million Dollar Man' and 'The Bionic Woman'.

Quick Quiz

The scientist designed a _______ eye that could transmit visual signals directly to the patient's brain.

Correct!

The correct answer is: bionic

Related Words

pale

A1

Describes something that has very little color or is much lighter than usual. It is often used to describe a person's face when they are ill or a color that is mixed with a lot of white.

lung

A1

The lungs are two organs inside your chest that you use to breathe. They bring oxygen into your body and remove carbon dioxide when you breathe out.

tropical

A1

Relating to the hot regions of the Earth near the equator. It describes weather that is very warm and wet, or plants and animals that come from these areas.

trader

A1

A trader is a person whose job is to buy and sell goods, stocks, or other items for profit. They can work in a small local market or on large international financial exchanges.

indoor

A1

Describes something that is located, happens, or is used inside a building rather than outside. It is an adjective used before a noun to talk about activities or objects protected from the weather.

threshold

A1

A threshold is the physical area at the bottom of a doorway that you step over to enter a room or building. It also refers to the level or point at which something starts to happen or changes.

tribute

A1

A tribute is something that you say, do, or give to show your respect and admiration for someone. It is often a public act used to honor a person's life, work, or memory.

elder

A1

Used to describe a person who is older than another, especially within a family. It is also used to refer to people who have a high status or more experience because of their age.

russian

A1

Relating to Russia, its people, its language, or its culture. It describes things that come from or are connected to the largest country in the world.

southeastern

A1

Located in or coming from the direction between south and east. It describes a place, a region, or a wind that is in the corner between the bottom and the right on a map.

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