biofouling
noun
bio·foul·ing
ˌbi-(ˌ)ō-ˈfau̇-liŋ 
: the gradual accumulation of waterborne organisms (such as bacteria and protozoa) on the surfaces of engineering structures in water that contributes to corrosion of the structures and to a decrease in the efficiency of moving parts
Examples of biofouling in a Sentence
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Better approaches to mitigate biofouling (fouling of pipes by barnacles or algae), corrosion, and other degradation during long deployments.
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Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 16 Mar. 2020
The nets were carrying up to 110 tons of biofouling.
—Lynda V. Mapes, The Seattle Times, 2 Feb. 2018
Desiccation, or removing the baskets from the water once a week, is required to control biofouling of baskets and oysters.
—Guest Voices, AL.com, 29 Dec. 2017
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Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 16 Mar. 2020
The nets were carrying up to 110 tons of biofouling.
—Lynda V. Mapes, The Seattle Times, 2 Feb. 2018
Desiccation, or removing the baskets from the water once a week, is required to control biofouling of baskets and oysters.
—Guest Voices, AL.com, 29 Dec. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Biofouling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biofouling. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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