BIOLOGICAL WEAPON Meaning and
Definition
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A biological weapon, also known as a bioweapon, is a type of weapon designed to deliberately release pathogenic microorganisms or toxins with the purpose of causing a detrimental impact on living organisms, including humans, animals, or plants. It is a form of warfare centered on the use of biological agents for destructive purposes and can encompass several different means of dissemination, such as aerosols, contaminated food or water, or direct contact with infected individuals or objects. The primary objective of a biological weapon is to incapacitate or kill individuals, disrupt economic activities, or disrupt the normal functioning of societies.
Biological weapons can consist of various pathogens or toxins derived from living organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, or toxins produced by these microorganisms. The choice of agent depends on factors such as ease of production, stability, virulence, accessibility, and the ability to resist countermeasures. Examples of potential biological agents include anthrax, plague, smallpox, Ebola virus, botulinum toxin, or even genetically modified organisms designed for weaponization.
The use of biological weapons is generally considered unethical and is strictly prohibited by various international treaties and agreements, including the Biological Weapons Convention of 1972. The main reason for their prohibition is the potential for indiscriminate and uncontrollable spread, as biological agents can have unpredictable consequences beyond their intended targets. The development, production, and possession of biological weapons are illegal in most countries, and efforts are continuously made to prevent the proliferation and use of such weapons.
Common Misspellings for BIOLOGICAL WEAPON
- viological weapon
- niological weapon
- hiological weapon
- giological weapon
- buological weapon
- bjological weapon
- bkological weapon
- boological weapon
- b9ological weapon
- b8ological weapon
- biilogical weapon
- biklogical weapon
- billogical weapon
- biplogical weapon
- bi0logical weapon
- bi9logical weapon
- biokogical weapon
- biopogical weapon
- biooogical weapon
- bioligical weapon
Etymology of BIOLOGICAL WEAPON
The word "biological weapon" is composed of two main elements: "biological" and "weapon".
1. Biological: The term "biological" is derived from the Greek word "bios" meaning "life" and "logia" meaning "the study of". It was first used in the early 19th century, suggesting the study of living organisms and their vital processes.
2. Weapon: The word "weapon" originates from the Old English word "wǣpen", which referred to a tool or instrument used for defense or attack. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "wǣpnan", meaning "to arm" or "to equip".
Therefore, the etymology of the term "biological weapon" suggests a weapon or instrument that involves the use of biological agents or organisms capable of causing harm or affecting living organisms.
Similar spelling words for BIOLOGICAL WEAPON
- biological warfare,
- biological time,
- biological attack,
- biological process,
- biological terrorism,
- biological research,
- biologic attack,
- biological agent,
- biological defence,
- biological group,
- biological clock,
- biological defense,
- biological science.
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