Bioaugmentation

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The technique of improving ecological processes incorporates the addition of particular microorganisms or organic substances to enhance biological interactions and nutrient flow
2. This method of enhancing environmental health includes the introduction of targeted microbes or organic materials that boost ecosystem productivity and sustainability
3. A strategy aimed at enhancing biological processes involves introducing specific microorganisms or organic compounds to improve nutrient cycles and ecological interactions

Etymology: Bioaugmentation is a plain compound: "bio-", from Greek "bios" meaning life, joined to "augmentation", from Latin "augmentum", meaning an increase or addition. Put together, the word names the deliberate boosting of living processes, most often by adding microbes to soil, water or waste so they work better. The "bio-" element is one of the most productive prefixes in modern English. It turns up in biology, biochemistry and many later technical coinages, and it has no special meaning beyond "relating to living things." "Augmentation" carries the older sense of making something larger or greater, which fits the word's purpose: the goal is more activity from an existing ecosystem rather than a different one.