| any industrial by-product, esp. from the manufacture of chemicals, that is destructive to the environment or dangerous to the health of people or animals: Hazardous wastes often contaminate ground water. |
| hazardous waste n. A substance, such as nuclear waste or an industrial byproduct, that is potentially damaging to the environment and harmful to humans and other living organisms. |
hazardous waste  (hāz'ər-dəs) Pronunciation Key
A used or discarded material that can damage the environment and be harmful to health. Hazardous wastes include heavy metals and toxic chemicals used in industrial products and processes as well as infectious medical wastes and radioactive materials such as spent nuclear fuel rods. |