GC: n
CT: Bionics, science of constructing artificial systems that have some of the characteristics of living systems. Bionics is not a specialized science but an interscience discipline; it may be compared with cybernetics. Bionics and cybernetics have been called the two sides of the same coin. Both use models of living systems, bionics in order to find new ideas for useful artificial machines and systems, cybernetics to seek the explanation of living beings’ behaviour.
Bionics is thus distinct from bioengineering (or biotechnology), which is the use of living things to perform certain industrial tasks, such as the culture of yeasts on petroleum.
S: EncBrit – http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/66160/bionics (last access: 3 December 2014)
N: 1. 1959, from bio- + second element from electronic (1901, “pertaining to electrons;”1930 as “pertaining to electronics.” Related: Electronically).
2. In the fields of Biotechnology and Cybernetic Systems: The study of human and animal biological functions, especially functions of the brain, that might be applied to the development of electronic equipment, such as computers and robots.
3. bionics: bio + (electr)onics.
The term “bionics” is used with a singular verb.
4. bionics: term officially approved by the Government Electronic Data Processing Standards Committee (GESC).
5. bionic (adj): Referring to an artificial body part or a device that strengthens or replaces a natural body function, especially one that operates electronically (for example, a bionic arm).
6. In the field of Biotechnology, “biomimicry” is the act of developing technical concepts and solutions through the abstraction of natural forms and the underlying mechanisms of action.
Synonyms: biomimesis.
Terms to be avoided in the field of Biotechnology: biomimetics, biomimetism (gallicism), bionics.
7. Cultural Interrelation: Bionic Showdown (also known by the longer title Bionic Showdown: The Six Million Dollar Man and the Bionic Woman) was a 1989 made-for-TV MOVIE. It was the second of three reunion films featuring the original cast members of The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman and, like the first film, was intended as a potential pilot for a new series, this one focusing on new bionic woman Kate Mason.
S: 1. OED – http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=bionics&searchmode=none (last access: 3 December 2014). 4, 5 & 6. TERMIUM PLUS (last access: 31 March 2015). 7. http://bionic.wikia.com/wiki/Bionic_Showdown (last access: 31 March 2015).
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CR: cybernetics, cyborg , exoskeleton.
