IPA: //ˈbaɪ.oʊˌseɪf.ti//
KK: /ˈbaɪoʊˌseɪfti/
The practice of ensuring safety and protection from harmful biological agents, including infectious organisms and genetically modified materials.
Laboratories must follow strict biosafety protocols to prevent contamination and protect workers.
Biosafety is formed from "bio-" (from Greek "bios", meaning life) and "safety" (from Old French "safete", meaning security or protection). The term refers to the measures taken to ensure safety in biological research and practices, particularly to protect human health and the environment from potential biological hazards.
Think of 'bio' meaning 'life' and 'safety' meaning 'protection' — together, they remind you that biosafety is about protecting life from biological risks.