| precautionary principle | |
| —n | |
| the precept that an action should not be taken if the consequences are uncertain and potentially dangerous | |
| Main Entry: | precautionary principle1 |
| Part of Speech: | n |
| Definition: | the theory that an action should be taken when a problem or threat occurs, not after harm has been inflicted; an approach to decision- making in risk management which justifies preventive measures or policies despite scientific uncertainty about whether detrimental effects will occur |
| Example: | The precautionary principle was adopted by the UN Conference on Environment and Development. |
| Etymology: | 1988 |
| a printed punctuation mark (‽), available only in some typefaces, designed to combine the question mark (?) and the exclamation point (!), indicating a mixture of query and interjection, as after a rhetorical question. |
| a chattering or flighty, light-headed person. |
| Main Entry: | precautionary principle2 |
| Part of Speech: | n |
| Definition: | in environmental matters, the theory that if the effects of a product or action are unknown, then the product should not be used or the action should not be taken |
| Example: | A comprehensive definition of the precautionary principle was spelled out in a meeting of scientists, lawyers, policy makers and environmentalists. |
| Etymology: | 1988 |