antibacterial

American  

[an-tee-bak-teer-ee-uhl, an-tahy-] / ˌæn ti bækˈtɪər i əl, ˌæn taɪ- /

adjective

1. destructive to or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

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

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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 British  

/ ˌæntɪbækˈtɪərɪəl /

adjective

1. effective against bacteria

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Etymology

Origin of antibacterial

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

Compare meaning

How does antibacterial compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• antimicrobial vs. antibacterial

Example Sentences

The scientists took samples of those plants, tested them and discovered most had antibacterial properties.

From BBC

Same with coconut oil, which has antibacterial properties that could help reduce dark spots and tighten skin.

From Salon

Building on previous work, researchers in ACS Infectious Diseases have demonstrated a potential antibacterial treatment from a modified darobactin, a compound originally from a bacterium.

From Science Daily

"If food-allergic people can board first, and have time to clean their seat area with something like a baby wipe or antibacterial wipe, they are much less likely to have accidental reactions," Prof Turner said.

From BBC

All four plants showed antibacterial activity against at least one multidrug-resistant strain of the bug, E. coli.

From BBC

Related Words

• hygienic
• sterile