antimicrobial

[ an-tee-mahy-kroh-bee-uhl, an-tahy‐ ]

/ ˌæn ti maɪˈkroʊ bi əl, ˌæn taɪ‐ /

Medicine/Medical, Pharmacology.

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adjective

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.

noun

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.

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Compare antibacterial.

Origin of antimicrobial

First recorded in 1900–05; anti- + microbial

Words nearby antimicrobial

antimatter, antimension, antimere, antimeridian, antimetabolite, antimicrobial, antimilitant, antimissile, antimissile missile, antimitotic, antimonarchist

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use antimicrobial in a sentence

At the same time, antimicrobial resistance is rising, making infections more deadly.
Don’t worry, the earth is doomed|Katie McLean|October 21, 2020|MIT Technology Review
The antimicrobial-treated sleep surface helps resist odor, mold, mildew, and fungus.
Air mattresses for people who love to entertain and travel|PopSci Commerce Team|September 30, 2020|Popular-Science
Nixed change fees may be a permanent change, along with the new antimicrobial TSA bins Delta airline introduced in five hubs earlier this month.
Airline executives say there’s less than 1% risk of catching COVID-19 on a flight—and some pandemic-era changes are here to stay|kdunn6|September 28, 2020|Fortune
Weighing less than half what the average pair of jeans do, these slim-cut pants are made from an antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, temperature-controlling fabric.
Our Favorite Gear for Any Type of Traveler|Janna Irons|September 8, 2020|Outside Online

The Widepac has a three-liter capacity, and is made from a three-layer polyethylene material treated with an antimicrobial agent and Source’s “GrungeGuard” technology to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Hydration bladders for outdoor adventures|PopSci Commerce Team|September 1, 2020|Popular-Science
“Oil is antimicrobial and gets into the tissues of the mouth to inhibit bacterial growth,” says Caldecott.
Oil Pulling: Miracle Cure or Oily Mess?|DailyBurn|March 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But then came quinine, perhaps the first effective antimicrobial of them all.
A Malaria Vaccine That Cuts 46% of Infections Is a 100% a Big Deal|Kent Sepkowitz|October 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for antimicrobial

antimicrobial

/ (ˌæntɪmaɪˈkrəʊbɪəl) /

adjective

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for antimicrobial

antimicrobial

[ ăn′tē-mī-krō′bē-əl, ăn′tī- ]

adj.

Tending to destroy microbes, prevent their development, or inhibit their pathogenic action.