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

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

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

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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.

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"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.

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

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Related Words

• hygienic 
• sterile