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gno·to·bi·ot·ics

(nō′tō-bī-ŏtĭks)

n. (used with a sing. verb)

The study of organisms or environmental conditions that have been rendered free of bacteria or contaminants or into which a known microorganism or contaminant has been introduced for research purposes.

[Greek gnōtos, known; see gnō- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + biotics, study of living organisms.]

gno′to·bi·otic adj.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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