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bioterrorism

[ bahy-oh-ter-uh-riz-uh m ]
/ ˌbaɪ oʊˈtɛr əˌrɪz əm /

noun

terrorist acts involving the use of harmful agents and products of biological origin, as disease-producing microorganisms or toxins.

Nearby words

  1. biotech,
  2. biotech.,
  3. biotechnological,
  4. biotechnology,
  5. biotelemetry,
  6. biotherapy,
  7. biotic,
  8. biotic factor,
  9. biotic potential,
  10. biotin

Origin of bioterrorism

First recorded in 1980–85; bio- + terrorism
Related formsbi·o·ter·ror·ist, noun, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Word Origin and History for bioterrorism

bioterrorism

n.

also bio-terrorism, by 1997, from bio- + terrorism. Related: Bioterrorist.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Culture definitions for bioterrorism (1 of 2)

bioterrorism

The use of biological agents as weapons of terror. Anthrax bacteria are one such agent, while smallpox is considered one of the more likely lethal viruses that could serve as a weapon of bioterror. (See germ warfare.)

Culture definitions for bioterrorism (2 of 2)

bioterrorism

Terrorism that relies on spreading diseases, such as anthrax and smallpox.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.