biomimicry

noun

bio·​mim·​ic·​ry ¦bī-(ˌ)ō-¦mi-mi-krē How to pronounce biomimicry (audio)
: the imitation of natural biological designs or processes in engineering or invention : biomimetics
In 1948, while walking in the woods, Swiss engineer Georges de Mestral noticed how cockleburs stuck to his dog's coat. The result? Velcro: a paragon of biomimicry in practice.Andy Isaacson, National Geographic Adventure, December 2007

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biomimicry was in 1982

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Dictionary Entries Near biomimicry

Cite this Entry

“Biomimicry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biomimicry. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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