Bioweapon
Bioweapon
Bioweapon (pronunciation: /ˈbʌɪoʊˌwɛpən/), also known as a biological weapon, is a type of weapon that utilizes biological toxins or infectious agents with the intent to harm or kill humans, animals, or plants as an act of war.
Etymology
The term "bioweapon" is a combination of the prefix "bio-" from the Greek "bios" meaning "life" and the English word "weapon". It was first used in the 20th century, coinciding with the advancement of biological warfare.
Related Terms
- Biological warfare: The use of biological toxins or infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, insects, and fungi with the intent to kill or incapacitate humans, animals or plants as an act of war.
- Biological agent: A bacterium, virus, protozoan, parasite, or fungus that can be used purposefully as a weapon in bioterrorism or biological warfare.
- Bioterrorism: Terrorism involving the intentional release or dissemination of biological agents.
- Toxin: A harmful substance produced within living cells or organisms.
- Infectious agent: A pathogen, such as a bacterium or virus, that can cause a disease.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bioweapon
- Wikipedia's article - Bioweapon
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