bioreactor

[ bahy-oh-ree-ak-ter ]
/ ˌbaɪ oʊ riˈæk tər /

noun

Biotechnology. a fermentation vat for the production of living organisms, as bacteria or yeast, used in industrial processes such as waste recycling or in the manufacture of drugs or other products.

Origin of bioreactor

First recorded in 1970–75; bio- + reactor

Scientific definitions for bioreactor

bioreactor
[ bīō-rē-ăk′tər ]

An apparatus, such as a large fermentation chamber, for growing organisms such as bacteria or yeast under controlled conditions. Bioreactors are used in the biotechnological production of substances such as pharmaceuticals, antibodies, or vaccines, or for the bioconversion of organic waste.