nonbiologis

Nonbiologis is an adjective used to describe anything that is not derived from living organisms or their biological processes. In English, the corresponding term is nonbiological or non-biological; in Indonesian and related languages, nonbiologis is commonly used. The word functions as a contrast to terms like biological, organic, or biotic, and it is applied across multiple disciplines to classify materials, systems, and phenomena.

In science and technology, nonbiological describes inorganic materials, synthetic substances, and nonliving processes. Examples include metals and ceramics, polymers not derived from living sources, minerals, and chemical catalysts. Nonbiological processes also cover physical phenomena such as thermodynamics, crystallization, and electrochemical reactions that do not require living organisms.

In medicine and engineering, nonbiological materials are distinguished from biological ones, such as tissues, enzymes, or entire cells. Implants, medical devices, and many sensors are designed to interact with biological systems without themselves being biological.

In astrobiology or exobiology, nonbiological signatures refer to features that could indicate nonliving chemistry, as opposed to biosignatures that point to life. The term remains a broad descriptor and is context-dependent; it does not imply that a system is inert or unimportant, only that its origin or function is not biological.

Related terms include abiotic, inorganic, synthetic, and artificial.