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

"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

Previous studies have shown that wood has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an ideal material for cutting boards.

From Science Daily

Due to increasing antibiotic resistance in pathogens causing infections, the development of new antibacterial substances is important.

From Science Daily

What makes these newly detected antibacterial toxins different is that, unlike the Streptomyces' small-molecule antibiotics, umbrella toxins are large complexes composed of multiple proteins.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• hygienic
• sterile