biohazard

noun

bio·​haz·​ard ˈbī-ō-ˌha-zərd How to pronounce biohazard (audio)
: a biological agent or condition that is a hazard to humans or the environment
also : a hazard posed by such an agent or condition
biohazardous adjective

Examples of biohazard in a Sentence

The gasoline spill created a serious biohazard.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Next to those baggies were profane handwritten notes warning that the substance was a biohazard. Richard Ruelas, The Arizona Republic, 26 Oct. 2024 The airline didn't disclose the cause, but radio traffic recordings suggest there was a biohazard. Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 31 July 2024 The incidents, which the Journal estimated happened monthly, are considered biohazards and that have caused rides to be shut down for cleaning. Lisa Respers France, CNN, 15 July 2024 Their home was left with a moldy dishwasher deemed a biohazard by inspectors, sewage leaking into their cupboards and a sink that collapsed into their kitchen island, according to court documents. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 7 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for biohazard 

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biohazard was in 1965

Dictionary Entries Near biohazard

Cite this Entry

“Biohazard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biohazard. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

biohazard

noun
bio·​haz·​ard ˈbī-ō-ˌhaz-ərd, -ˈhaz- How to pronounce biohazard (audio)
: a biological agent or condition (as an infectious organism or insecure laboratory procedures) that constitutes a hazard to humans or the environment
also : a hazard posed by such an agent or condition
biohazardous adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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