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

For eight weeks, the writers worked wrapped in coats and blankets beneath the tent, at folding tables topped with boxes of tissues and containers of antibacterial hand gel.

From New York Times

He then applied antibacterial material to the cut and moved on.

From Washington Times

My own feet were soaking in a tub of warm water with a dash of apple cider vinegar, known for its antibacterial properties.

From Los Angeles Times

The discovery marks a rare and much-needed human victory in the ongoing war against antibacterial resistance.

From Salon

On land, members of the same genus live symbiotically with fungus-growing ants, producing antibacterial and antifungal molecules that deter pathogens from invading the ants' fungal gardens.

From Scientific American

Related Words

• hygienic
• sterile