bioaccumulation

noun

bio·ac·cu·mu·la·tion | \ ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-ə-ˌkyü-m(y)ə-ˈlā-shən

Definition of bioaccumulation

: the accumulation over time of a substance and especially a contaminant (such as a pesticide or heavy metal) in a living organism

Other Words from bioaccumulation

bioaccumulate \ ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-ə-ˈkyü-m(y)ə-ˌlāt

\ verb, transitive + intransitive bioaccumulated; bioaccumulating; bioaccumulates

Oysters, like other bivalves, are sessile organisms that are continually filtering water, and they often bioaccumulate toxins … — David C. Metzger The chemical inertness of these compounds makes them useful for a variety of consumer and industrial products, but this property also means the compounds are persistent and can bioaccumulate. — Stephen K. Ritter

bioaccumulative \ ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-ə-ˈkyü-m(y)ə-ˌlā-tiv

\ adjective

Persistent bioaccumulative pollutants pose the greatest chemical threat to sustainability. — Science

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Dictionary Entries Near bioaccumulation

bioabsorbable

bioaccumulation

bioacoustics

Statistics for bioaccumulation

Cite this Entry

“Bioaccumulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bioaccumulation. Accessed 5 Oct. 2022.

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