biosecurity

noun

bio·​se·​cu·​ri·​ty ˌbī-(ˌ)ō-si-ˈkyu̇r-ə-tē 

: security from exposure to harmful biological agents

also : measures taken to ensure this security

Examples of biosecurity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nevertheless, tourists are still part of the problem, and that’s why even amateur scientists are subject to strict biosecurity measures. —Dalton Johnson, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2024

The affected farm has been placed under quarantine with biosecurity measures implemented to contain and eliminate the virus. —Karen Bartunek, The Arizona Republic, 16 Nov. 2024

The signing of Act 231 this year put about $10 million aside for the department to bolster its invasive species work and biosecurity, after lawmakers pressured the DOA to do a better job. —CBS News, 24 Oct. 2024

By supporting workforce development, the agency would help build a robust pipeline of biosafety and biosecurity professionals and informed scientists to ensure long-term sustainability and effectiveness in managing these risks. —David Gillum, Rebecca Moritz, STAT, 19 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

biosecurity

noun

bio·​se·​cu·​ri·​ty ˌbī-ō-si-ˈkyu̇r-ə-tē 

: security from exposure to harmful biological agents (such as pathogenic microorganisms)

You would expect the organisation responsible for ensuring biosecurity in labs working with dangerous animal pathogens like foot and mouth disease to know about any accidents that have occurred in those labs.

—Linda Geddes, New Scientist

also : measures taken to ensure this security

In areas where poultry farms are on adjoining or nearby properties or in areas tied together by common waterways, roads, or flyways, the risk of disease spread from one farm to another is greatly increased no matter what type of biosecurity is practiced by individual farms.

—Carol J. Cardona, in Avian Influenza