| archaeology |
the systematic and scientific study of past human life and culture using information gained from the analysis of their artifacts, such as pottery, tools, buildings, and the like. |
| ark |
(sometimes cap.) according to the Old Testament, a large boat built by Noah to preserve life during the Flood. [1/4 definitions] |
| atman |
in Hinduism, the individual soul striving for enlightenment; breath of life. [1/2 definitions] |
| atonement |
(cap.) in Christianity, the bringing into harmony of God and man through Jesus Christ's life and sacrifice. [1/3 definitions] |
| autobiographical |
telling or based on the events and experiences of one's own life. |
| autobiography |
the events of a person's life written or told by that person. |
| b. |
abbreviation of "born," brought into life by birth or in like manner (used to indicate the year or date of a birth). |
| basal metabolism |
the minimum expense of energy that is necessary for life in a resting organism. |
| bathysphere |
a spherical diving chamber used for studying deep-sea life. |
| beget |
to generate (offspring); cause to begin life, esp. to father. [1/2 definitions] |
| believable |
convincing as a portrayal or representation of something real; true to life. [1/2 definitions] |
| biennial |
in botany, having a life cycle of two years. [2/5 definitions] |
| bio- |
life. |
| biodiversity |
the diversity of life forms on earth or part of the earth, including diversity of species, genes, and ecosystems, esp. when regarded as providing the optimal conditions for evolution. |
| biographical |
of or relating to the facts and circumstances of a person's life. [1/2 definitions] |
| biography |
an account, usu. written, of the facts and circumstances of one person's life. [1/3 definitions] |
| biohazard |
a biological substance or condition that endangers human life or health. |
| biology |
the life processes that characterize a living thing or group of living things. [2/3 definitions] |
| biome |
a major type of global region, such as forest, desert, or grassland, characterized by the community of plants and animals that have adapted to life under the particular soil and climatic conditions that a particular region presents. [1/2 definitions] |
| biopic |
a biographical film or television program often containing scenes that are fictional in order to fill out the plot and add drama, humor, or suspense to make the real life subject compelling to an audience. |
| biotic |
pertaining to life or living things. |