biosecurity

noun

bio·​se·​cu·​ri·​ty ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-si-ˈkyu̇r-ə-tē 

: security from exposure to harmful biological agents

also : measures taken to ensure this security

Examples of biosecurity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To that end, the United States, in collaboration with close international partners, should launch a series of global biosecurity summits modeled on the four international nuclear security summits that took place from 2010 to 2016. — Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Indeed, the authors of the new bacteriophage study call for more effective biosecurity approaches in their paper. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026

The combination of extensive biofouling growth, species accumulation and the sheer number, size and global reach of affected vessels has created an immense international biosecurity threat, according to the paper. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 25 July 2026

New Zealand’s biosecurity minister has warned that the country will follow a similar path, should a widespread outbreak occur. — Todd Symons, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for biosecurity

• immaturity
• insecurity
• prematurity
• cybersecurity
• impurity
• maturity
• obscurity
• security
• purity
• surety

Medical Definition

biosecurity

noun

bio·​se·​cu·​ri·​ty ˌbī-ō-si-ˈkyu̇r-ə-tē 

: security from exposure to harmful biological agents (such as pathogenic microorganisms)

You would expect the organisation responsible for ensuring biosecurity in labs working with dangerous animal pathogens like foot and mouth disease to know about any accidents that have occurred in those labs.

—Linda Geddes, New Scientist

also : measures taken to ensure this security

In areas where poultry farms are on adjoining or nearby properties or in areas tied together by common waterways, roads, or flyways, the risk of disease spread from one farm to another is greatly increased no matter what type of biosecurity is practiced by individual farms.

—Carol J. Cardona, in Avian Influenza