antimicrobial

American  

[an-tee-mahy-kroh-bee-uhl, an-tahy‑] / ˌæn ti maɪˈkroʊ bi əl, ˌæn taɪ‑ /

adjective

1. destructive to or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

   an antimicrobial spray to stop the spread of athlete’s foot in the locker room; antimicrobial ointments that suppress the cold sore virus.

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noun

1. an antimicrobial product. Antimicrobials are generally regulated into two categories—those used on inanimate objects, as wipes for kitchen counters, and those used in or on living things, as antibiotics or hand sanitizers.

   Any product that kills bacteria or viruses is an antimicrobial, but that doesn’t mean any antimicrobial will kill both bacteria and viruses.

antimicrobial British  

/ ˌæntɪmaɪˈkrəʊbɪəl /

adjective

1. capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of disease-causing microbes

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Etymology

Origin of antimicrobial

First recorded in 1900–05; anti- + microbial

Compare meaning

How does antimicrobial compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• antimicrobial vs. antibacterial

Example Sentences

The insects convert them into aglycones, which no longer contain sugar molecules and have much stronger antimicrobial effects.

From Science Daily

Industrial buyers of the antimicrobial and highly conductive metal are competing with investors around the world, many of whom would have bought gold in the past but are now turning to a cheaper alternative.

From The Wall Street Journal

Verticillin A and similar fungal molecules have been explored for possible anticancer and antimicrobial activity, but their complexity has made them difficult to synthesize.

From Science Daily

"Chlorhexidine is widely used as a gold standard mouthwash but is associated with side effects and concerns over antimicrobial resistance," the authors explain.

From Science Daily

The new findings show that it also has powerful antimicrobial activity, killing a broad spectrum of pathogens, including fungal species that do not respond well to common antifungal medications.

From Science Daily