bio-inspired
BY-oh-in-SPY-urd
/ˌbaɪ.oʊ.ɪnˈspaɪərd/
Taking inspiration from biological systems, structures, or processes to create new technology or art.
A broader term than 'biomimicry'; it can include things that just look like nature without necessarily copying the function.
The story behind the word. A modern compound word. 'Inspire' comes from the Latin 'inspirare,' meaning 'to breathe into.' So, bio-inspired design is design that has the 'breath of life' in its concept.
Word relationships
- nature-inspired: Nature-inspired is more common in layperson terms; bio-inspired sounds more technical.
- synthetic: Created purely by human-made processes without natural models.
Commonly confused with
- biomimetic: Biomimetic is a stricter scientific term; bio-inspired is more general.
Collocations
- bio-inspired design
- bio-inspired robotics
- bio-inspired materials
Example sentences
- "The designer created a bio-inspired fabric that mimics the texture of sharkskin to reduce friction." Describing a new product.
Memory hook
Bio-Inspired: Life-Inspiration. Nature gave you the idea. Nature's spark of an idea.
When not to use
Use 'biomimicry' if the design is strictly functional and scientific.
Fun facts
- Velcro is the most famous bio-inspired invention, inspired by burrs sticking to a dog's fur.
Related words
Explore more words
biocompatible, self-assembly, mimicry, bioengineering, engineered, artificial
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