antibacterial

[ an-tee-bak-teer-ee-uhl, an-tahy- ]

adjective

1. destructive to or inhibiting the growth of bacteria:

   a full line of antibacterial hand lotions, deodorants, and foot powders.

noun

1. an antibacterial product, as a hand or dish soap, a mouthwash, an aerosol cleaner, or an antibiotic:

   Sorry, but none of these antibacterials is going to kill your cold virus.

antibacterial

/ ˌæntɪbækˈtɪərɪəl /

adjective

1. effective against bacteria

Word History and Origins

Origin of antibacterial¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; anti- + bacterial ( def )

Example Sentences

Antibacterial soap is supposed to help you stay clean and healthy, right?

From The Daily Beast

Xylitol Nasal Spray - xylitol is a sugar alcohol and has antibacterial properties.

From The Daily Beast

Faulty interpretation of some scientific research led to a widespread belief that wood has natural antibacterial properties.

From The Daily Beast

They climbed up the ladder and said nothing as the airlock went through its cycle and the antibacterial spray covered them.

From Project Gutenberg

It is entirely unjustifiable to credit the known antibacterial qualities of ordinary iodin to colloid iodin.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence the immunity may be antibacterial or antitoxic or both.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hygienic
• sterile