antibacterial

adjective

an·​ti·​bac·​te·​ri·​al ˌan-tē-bak-ˈtir-ē-əl  ˌan-ˌtī- 

: directed or effective against bacteria

antibacterial soap

an antibacterial drug

antibacterial noun

In an effort to develop new antifungals, scientists are boning up on previous research on antibacterials.

—Ellen Licking

Examples of antibacterial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bolshakov added the material is 80% wood waste byproducts and has a high antibacterial index, which increases the shelf life of the products. —Jamie Hailstone, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

May Reduce Acne Cysts Some evidence suggests turmeric's antibacterial properties can prevent the development of bacteria that cause acne cysts and staph infections. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 2 Dec. 2024

Used inside barns and even homes, whitewash offered mildly antibacterial properties to surfaces where it was applied. —Mary Ann Ashcraft, Baltimore Sun, 23 Nov. 2024

It is used in traditional medicine for its antiviral and antibacterial properties and is said to boost the immune system, helping to relieve respiratory infections such as colds and flu, as well as reducing fever and sore throats. —Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

antibacterial

adjective

an·​ti·​bac·​te·​ri·​al

ˌant-ē-ˌbak-ˈtir-ē-əl,

ˌan-ˌtī-ˌbak-

: directed or effective against bacteria

antibacterial soap

Medical Definition

antibacterial

1 of 2 adjective

an·​ti·​bac·​te·​ri·​al ˌant-i-bak-ˈtir-ē-əl  ˌan-ˌtī- 

: directed or effective against bacteria

antibacterial

2 of 2 noun

: an antibacterial agent