Biohazardous is a term that is often used to describe materials that are potentially harmful to living organisms. It is a word that has become increasingly important in recent years, as the world has become more aware of the dangers posed by certain biological materials.
Definitions
The term biohazardous refers to any material that is potentially harmful to living organisms. This can include materials that are contaminated with infectious agents, such as bacteria or viruses, as well as materials that are toxic or radioactive.
Origin
The word biohazardous comes from the combination of two root words: “bio,” which means life, and “hazardous,” which means dangerous or risky. The term was first used in the 1960s to describe materials that were potentially harmful to living organisms.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, biohazardous refers to “a biological agent or condition that is a hazard to humans or the environment.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines biohazardous as “involving or relating to a biological hazard or risk.”
Associations
The term biohazardous is often associated with the medical and scientific fields, as these are the areas where the dangers of biological materials are most commonly encountered. It is also associated with environmental concerns, as the improper disposal of biohazardous materials can have serious consequences for the natural world.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for biohazardous include hazardous, dangerous, toxic, harmful, and infectious.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for biohazardous include safe, non-toxic, harmless, and beneficial.
The same root words
Other words that share the same root words as biohazardous include biotechnology, biosphere, and biodegradable.
Example Sentences
- The lab technicians wore protective gear to avoid exposure to biohazardous materials.
- The spill of biohazardous waste was quickly contained and cleaned up.
- The disposal of biohazardous materials must be done in accordance with strict regulations.
In conclusion, biohazardous is a term that is used to describe materials that are potentially harmful to living organisms. It is an important word in the medical, scientific, and environmental fields, and is associated with the dangers posed by biological materials. Understanding the meaning of this term is essential for anyone who works with or comes into contact with potentially hazardous materials.