HealthAugust 21, 2026

biocontainment

BY-oh-kun-TAYN-ment

Definition

The practice of using specialized facilities and protocols to safely isolate, handle, and manage hazardous biological agents to prevent their accidental release or spread.

Etymology

The word is a hybrid compound of the Greek 'bios' (life) and the Middle English 'contain' (to hold or restrain), reflecting its role in safely containing biological materials.

In the news

The article refers to the University of Nebraska Medical Center as a 'mecca for biocontainment,' highlighting the facility's specialized infrastructure for managing infectious disease threats.

Nebraska’s Growing Role in Health Initiatives Highlighted During Visit by HHS Secretary Kennedy

Read the full article ↗

Nebraska Governor's Office (.gov)

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