Wet market / noun/ wet maar·kuht

Wet market is a term that entered the language in 1978. We use the “wet market” to describe an outdoor shopping market that specializes in selling live animals, fresh meat, seafood, produce, and perishable items. We find the most familiar “wet markets” in the world around China and Southeast Asia. There has been some speculation that the recent outbreak caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus originated in one of the region’s wet markets.

One hallmark of “wet markets” is the slaughtering of live animals on-site at the market. This on-site butchering process, where animal carcasses are left outside in hot temperatures and not properly disposed of, can lead to the development of bacteria and disease.

Etymology

Wet market first entered the language in the late 1970s, around 1978. They use the word to describe the same wet markets we know today to sell live animals, seafood, perishable foods, and fresh produce.

In a Sentence

China and Southeast Asia are home to some of the most famous “wet markets” in the world.

Some people believe “wet markets” to be a ‘breeding ground’ for animal-related disease.

Many people still frequent “wet markets” despite the terrible reputation they have recently gotten.

Synonym

Public Market, Marketplace

Antonym

Dry Market