antimicrobial

adjective

an·​ti·​mi·​cro·​bi·​al ˌan-ti-mī-ˈkrō-bē-əl How to pronounce antimicrobial (audio)
: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms
antimicrobial noun

Examples of antimicrobial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kojic acid may also have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, though studies showing these benefits on human skin are limited. Merve Ceylan, Health, 4 Nov. 2024 The humidifier uses an antimicrobial wick filter (lasting six months and has a replacement indicator) that’s designed to capture the minerals that cause white dust, while the wick filter also traps pollutants. Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2024 Hartmann also warns against antimicrobial toothbrushes, which can lead to antibiotic-resistant bugs. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2024 Kojic acid also has antifungal and antimicrobial effects, which may benefit those who have acne-prone skin, says Dr. Kapoor. Devon Abelman, Allure, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for antimicrobial 

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antimicrobial was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near antimicrobial

Cite this Entry

“Antimicrobial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antimicrobial. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

antimicrobial

1 of 2 adjective
an·​ti·​mi·​cro·​bi·​al ˌant-i-mī-ˌkrō-bē-əl How to pronounce antimicrobial (audio)
variants also antimicrobic
: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms

antimicrobial

2 of 2 noun
variants also antimicrobic
: an antimicrobial substance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!