What does bionically mean?
Bionically is an adverb meaning “in a way that uses or imitates biological principles.” It is especially common in engineering, computing, medicine, and science fiction, where natural systems—such as animal locomotion, sensory detection, or self-repair—are studied in order to solve human design problems. The word can also describe technological augmentation of human or animal abilities, as in “bionically enhanced” devices and advanced prosthetics. Its use suggests deliberate imitation of living processes rather than a general biological connection, so it is more specific than a broad statement that something is related to biology. Bionically often has a futuristic or popular-science flavor, especially in descriptions of cyborgs, robots, and bionic implants. Even when used metaphorically, it emphasizes adaptation from nature as a practical model rather than merely describing something as alive or organic.
adverbIn a way that uses or imitates biological principles and methods, especially in engineering or technological design.
- Using biological principles, methods, or forms as models in engineering or technological design.
"The engineer redesigned the robotic gripper bionically, modeling it on the way a gecko's foot grips a surface."
"The engineer redesigned the robotic gripper bionically, modeling it on the way a gecko's foot grips a surface."
"The exoskeleton assists the worker bionically, translating the wearer's intended movements into powered motion."
Sharks helped inspire faster swimsuits, but bionics is the broader art of borrowing nature's engineering.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does bionically come from?
The word belongs to modern scientific vocabulary formed from Greek biōn, meaning “life,” through bionic and the discipline bionics. Bionic combines this Greek element with the technical suffix -onic, while bionics uses the same base to name the application of biological principles to engineering and technology. Bionically is the adverbial formation of bionic, created with the standard suffix -ly.
How bionically is actually used
The word is especially common in technological, medical, and science-fiction contexts. It often carries a futuristic or popular-science flavor and may be used metaphorically when discussing designs inspired by living organisms.
Easily confused with bionically
Biologically means in relation to living organisms or their processes, whereas bionically specifically describes applying or imitating those processes in technology, engineering, or design.