This dictionary contains over 2500 entries covering commonly encountered terms and concepts in biology, biophysics, and biochemistry, and key terms from medicine and palaeontology. It also includes many new terms in genetics (including genetic engineering), molecular biology and immunology, reflecting recent advances made in these fields. The entries are written in a clear and explanatory style to provide both straight-forward definitions and background information. This approach, combined with a cross-referencing system, enables the reader to place each entry in a broader scientific context. Line drawings are included whenever the meaning of a word can best be conveyed by means of a diagram and a range of tables of essential scientific information is provided.