antibacterial
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
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:
Explanation
Something that's antibacterial works by killing bacteria or keeping it from growing. You might put antibacterial ointment on a cut to help keep it clean and free from infection. Officially, an antibiotic like penicillin is an antibacterial agent — it kills bacteria, microorganisms that cause disease. You're more likely to find the word antibacterial describing special soaps and lotions that don't just wash bacteria off your hands, but actually kill them. The word combines anti-, "against," and bacterial, from the Greek root bakterion, "small staff," which describes the shape of the first bacteria seen through microscopes.
Vocabulary lists containing antibacterial
Microbiology - High School
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Microbiology - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The antibacterial activity of prehistoric birch tar suggests that ancient materials and traditional medicinal practices may deserve closer scientific investigation.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 11, 2026
In a plant, that means any antibacterial effect they have fades quickly.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 19, 2026
Ehrlich’s antisyphilis drug Salvarsan, followed by the antibacterial Prontosil, showed that systematic chemical screening could yield medicines aimed at specific diseases.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026
That is obviously several steps removed from GoPuff loading antibacterial wipes into my late-night cart.
From Salon ● Aug. 20, 2026
If antibacterial soap creates super germs like they say, what if toxic tenting creates super insects?
From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman
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