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• HAZMAT
  HAZMAT

  noun

  a material or substance that poses a danger to life, property, or the environment if improperly stored, shipped, or handled.
• hazmat
  hazmat

HAZMAT

American  

[haz-mat] / ˈhæzˌmæt /

Or hazmat

noun

1. a material or substance that poses a danger to life, property, or the environment if improperly stored, shipped, or handled.

   regulations for transporting radioactive materials and other HAZMAT.

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hazmat British  

/ ˈhæzˌmæt /

noun

1. 1. substances that pose a danɡer to public health

   2. ( as modifier )

      a hazmat suit

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Etymology

Origin of HAZMAT

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75; haz(ardous) + mat(erial)

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hazmat

Photos released by the coast guard showed rows of body bags being placed into a small ship alongside men in hazmat suits.

From Barron's ● Sep. 12, 2026

Crews in protective suits were reportedly seen placing the spheres in hazmat barrels under police guard, over concerns they may contain hazardous substances.

From BBC ● Jul. 5, 2026

When forensic experts climbed on board, wearing white hazmat suits and blue latex gloves, they found that the evidence inside was almost entirely unspoiled, according to German investigators.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026

As the temperatures continue to stabilize, the risk of a catastrophic tank failure — and a hazmat spill or fire — goes down.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 26, 2026

Late one night in the laboratory, Rania used her phone to communicate with the smaller hazmat that once came to visit the lab.

From "A Rover's Story" by Jasmine Warga

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