bi·o·foul·ing

[bahy-oh-fou-ling]
noun
the gradual accumulation of organisms such as algae, bacteria, barnacles, and protozoa on underwater equipment, pipes, and surfaces, corroding and impairing structures and systems.

bi·o·foul·er, noun
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
biofouling   (bī'ō-fou'lĭng)  Pronunciation Key 
The impairment or degradation of underwater surfaces or equipment as a result of the growth of living organisms. Organisms such as bacteria, protozoans, algae, and crustaceans can accumulate in large numbers on surfaces like pipes, tanks, and ships' hulls, resulting in corrosion, clogging, contamination, or a decrease in the efficiency of moving parts.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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00:10
Biofouling is always a great word to know.
So is quincunx. Does it mean:
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
the offspring of a zebra and a donkey.
Example sentences
In heat exchangers, this buildup-known as biofouling-reduces the heat-transfer efficiency.
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