cross-contaminate, v.
Brit. /ˌkrɒskənˈtamɪneɪt/, U.S. /ˌkrɔskənˈtæməˌneɪt/, /ˌkrɑskənˈtæməˌneɪt/
[‹ cross- comb. form + contaminate v. Compare earlier cross-contamination n.]
trans. To transfer a contaminant from a source, specimen, etc., to (a different or uncontaminated one). Also intr.: to transfer a contaminant (between).
| [1965 Science 149 330 (advt.) Cross contaminated? Not in here. Blickman modulator cabinets give you unquestioned isolation..to prevent cross-contamination or animal cross-infection.] 1969 Progress (Clearfield, Pa.) 12 Mar. 25/7 Herbicides can even cross-contaminate each other or other pesticides. 1975 Chicago Tribune 7 Aug. vi. 1/4 This avoids cross-contaminating batches of food with spoilage organisms they ordinarily would not carry. 1988 Z. R. Wolf Sacred & Profane iv. 181 It was also recommended..that you have different people (nurses) do each of them, you know, try not to cross-contaminate between them [sc. two patients]. 2001 Times 1 Nov. i. 7/1 Investigators were looking at the possibility that anthrax-tainted letters have cross-contaminated mail being delivered to homes. |