microbicide

American  

[mahy-kroh-buh-sahyd] / maɪˈkroʊ bəˌsaɪd /

noun

1. a substance or preparation for killing microbes.

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Other Word Forms

• microbicidal adjective

Etymology

Origin of microbicide

First recorded in 1880–85; microbe + -i- + -cide

Example Sentences

Maraviroc is currently approved as an HIV drug, and is being considered as a microbicide to try to stop infection in the first place.

From Scientific American • Nov. 14, 2014

But he said no microbicide had yet been found that offered full protection against HIV.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2014

The main one lacking is a vaccine, but also important and missing are woman-controlled means to prevent infection, such as a vaginal microbicide.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 24, 2012

Clinical experiments are looking at various routes and schedules for delivering the drugs, including pills, microbicide gels, and vaginal rings that could be used for months.

From Washington Post • Dec. 1, 2011

A previous trial had shown that the gel was marginally effective, so researchers suspect that this complete failure occurred because too many participants failed to use the microbicide as instructed.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 28, 2011