bioterrorism

American  

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

noun

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

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bioterrorism ¹ Cultural  

1. 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.)

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bioterrorism ² Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• bioterrorist noun

Etymology

Origin of bioterrorism

First recorded in 1980–85; bio- + terrorism

Example Sentences

Ferrer said the cuts mean she no longer has enough money for the county’s bioterrorism watch program, which monitors for outbreaks that might signal a biological attack.

From Los Angeles Times

Fearing bioterrorism in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the U.S. invested heavily in Bavarian Nordic and stockpiled over 20 million doses of the Jynnesos vaccine.

From Los Angeles Times

She was so concerned about antimicrobial resistance, she said, that it is now on Britain’s “risk register,” along with pandemics and bioterrorism, as a security threat.

From New York Times

In a video interview, Fink, who was also a producer on the series, pointed out that the hospital had a 101-page bioterrorism plan.

From New York Times

The CDC lists Nipah as an emerging pathogen and “bioterrorism agent” that “could be engineered for mass dissemination in the future,” based on availability, ease of production and dissemination and high mortality rate.

From Washington Times