biological control

noun

1

: the reduction in numbers or elimination of pest organisms by interference with their ecology (as by the introduction of parasites or diseases)

2

: an agent used in biological control

Examples of biological control in a Sentence

She practices biological control in her gardening.

She uses biological controls in her garden.

Recent Examples on the Web

What makes lady beetles effective natural enemies in preventative biological control? —Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 7 Oct. 2024

For large infestations, use a biological control agent instead. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2024

Finally, if the caterpillar infestation becomes too extensive, Dr. Ghimire recommends Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which is a biological control for Lepidoptera species of moths and butterflies. —Dawn Pettinelli, Hartford Courant, 27 July 2024

There’s historical precedent for both natural enemies and introduced biological controls getting the job done. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 4 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

biological control

noun

: attack upon pests by interference with their ecology (as by introduction of parasites)

Medical Definition

biological control

noun

1

: the reduction in numbers or elimination of pest organisms by interference with their ecology (as by the introduction of parasites or diseases)

2

: an agent (such as pyrethrum) used in biological control