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.

Origin of bioterrorism

First recorded in 1980–85; bio- + terrorism

OTHER WORDS FROM bioterrorism

bi·o·ter·ror·ist, noun, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for bio-terrorism

bio-terrorism

bio-terror


noun

the use of living organisms and their toxic products to kill or incapacitate, esp as a political weapon

Derived forms of bio-terrorism

bio-terrorist, adjective, noun

Cultural definitions for bio-terrorism (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.)

Cultural definitions for bio-terrorism (2 of 2)

bioterrorism

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