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  • Word comparison: antimicrobial vs. antibacterial

antimicrobial vs. antibacterial

antimicrobial

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.

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.

antibacterial

adjective

  1. destructive to or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

    a full line of antibacterial hand lotions, deodorants, and foot powders.

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.