cross-contamination
nounUK /ˌkrɒs kənˌtæm.ɪˈneɪ.ʃən/
US /ˌkrɔːs kənˌtæm.əˈneɪ.ʃən/
When germs move from one thing to another by accident.
Wash your hands after touching raw chicken to stop cross-contamination.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In cooking, when harmful bacteria from raw food get onto ready-to-eat food.
Using the same cutting board for raw meat and salad can cause cross-contamination.
3. In science, when one sample or substance accidentally mixes with another.
The lab workers wore gloves to prevent cross-contamination between samples.
4. When something unwanted spreads from one place or group to another.
The teacher separated the desks to avoid cross-contamination of ideas during the test.