germicide

[ jur-muh-sahyd ]

noun

1. an agent for killing germs or microorganisms.

germicide

/ ˈdʒɜːmɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. any substance that kills germs or other microorganisms

Derived Forms

• ˌgermiˈcidal, adjective

Other Words From

• germi·cidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of germicide¹

First recorded in 1875–80; germ + -i- + -cide

Example Sentences

He grabs a bottle of germicide, sprays it onto a rag, and wipes down the keyboard, mouse, and monitor plugs on one of the thin client computers we paralegals use for legal research.

From Slate

It’s best not to think too hard about being sexually attracted to a bottle of germicide unless you want to kill 100% of your libido.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s best not to think too hard about being sexually attracted to a bottle of germicide unless you want to kill 100% of your libido.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think these kinds of claims might even lead to a high number of false negatives for PCR tests,” pharmacist and medical writer Shuichi Aoshima wrote on Twitter, adding that tests after use of the germicide would register lower levels of the virus.

From Reuters

He said he plans to use a germicide approved by the U.S.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• disinfectant
• preservative