biohazard

[ bahy-oh-haz-erd ]

noun

1. a pathogen, especially one used in or produced by biological research.
2. the health risk posed by the possible release of such a pathogen into the environment.

biohazard

/ ˌbaɪəʊˈhæzəd /

noun

1. material of biological origin that is hazardous to humans

biohazard

/ bī′ō-hăz′ərd /

1. A biological agent, such as an infectious microorganism, that constitutes a threat to humans or to the environment, especially one produced in biological research or experimentation.

Derived Forms

• ˌbioˈhazardous, adjective

Other Words From

• bio·hazard·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of biohazard¹

bio- + hazard

Example Sentences

An NBC7 investigation reported that the city spends nearly $1 million a year cleaning human feces and other biohazards off city streets.

From Voice of San Diego

The city has tried several things to address the issue, still it spends nearly $1 million a year cleaning human feces and other biohazards off the street, according to an NBC7 investigation.

From Voice of San Diego

The city has a lot to lose by not addressing this issue, too, as it spends nearly $1 million a year cleaning human feces and other biohazards off the street, according to an NBC7 investigation.

From Voice of San Diego

Medical staff members wear green biohazard suits, face shields, latex gloves and shoe coverings.

From Time

A yellow-and-magenta biohazard sign hangs next to a yellow one that says “No Trespassing, by order of the United States Department of Energy.”

From Popular-Science

“Turns out the prunes aren't the only flavor that result in a biohazard situation,” she wrote in April.

From The Daily Beast

She pulled off her bloody gloves and dropped them in a bright red biohazard can.

From The Daily Beast