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

The soft and flexible gel is made with water and a choline based liquid that is antibacterial, nontoxic, and biocompatible.

From Science Daily

It is commonly used as a preservative, an antibacterial agent, and in leather tanning.

From Science Daily

She rummaged through, handing Boaz antibacterial wipes, a tiny bottle of peroxide, Band-Aids, and a few packets of ibuprofen that had an expiration date of two years prior.

From Literature

A third region contained the Pip gene, which produces an antibacterial molecule, and was linked to bacteria from the Muribaculaceae family.

From Science Daily

I pull out an antibacterial wipe and clean my desk.

From Literature

Related Words

• hygienic
• sterile