bacteriophage

[ bak-teer-ee-uh-feyj ]

noun

1. any of a group of viruses that infect specific bacteria, usually causing their disintegration or dissolution.

bacteriophage

/ bækˌtɪərɪˈɒfəɡəs; bækˈtɪərɪəˌfeɪdʒ; bækˌtɪərɪəˈfædʒɪk /

noun

1. a virus that is parasitic in a bacterium and multiplies within its host, which is destroyed when the new viruses are released Often shortened tophage

bacteriophage

/ băk-tîr′ē-ə-fāj′ /

1. A virus that infects and destroys bacterial cells.

Derived Forms

• bacteriophagous, adjective
• bacteriophagic, adjective

Other Words From

• bac·te·ri·o·phag·ic [bak-teer-ee-, uh, -, faj, -ik, -, fey, -jik], bac·te·ri·oph·a·gous [bak-teer-ee-, of, -, uh, -g, uh, s], adjective
• bac·te·ri·oph·a·gy [bak-teer-ee-, of, -, uh, -jee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bacteriophage¹

First recorded in 1920–25; from French bactériophage; bacterio-, -phage

Example Sentences

What's more, repeats can sometimes actually be viruses in disguise, or bacteriophages.

From Science Daily

Recently, researchers have focused on viruses known as bacteriophages as a new tool to treat and disarm antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

From Science Daily

In a new study published in the journal Water, researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso have identified a novel means of treating the wastewater generated by oil and gas production: bacteriophages.

From Science Daily

The team then synthesized a lysin from a bacteriophage, or virus that attacks bacteria, that infects S. hominis.

From Science Daily

Phage viruses, or bacteriophages, could be thought of as 'the good guys' of the virus world.

From Science Daily