antimicrobial

adjective

an·​ti·​mi·​cro·​bi·​al ˌan-ti-mī-ˈkrō-bē-əl 

: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms

antimicrobial noun

Examples of antimicrobial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This type of approach is also important for other health challenges, from antimicrobial resistance to food safety. —Simon Williams, Time, 21 May 2025

Boric acid, or hydrogen borate, is a water-soluble chemical compound that has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and is also a common household insecticide. —Fiorella Valdesolo, Allure, 14 May 2025

How To Get Rid Of And Prevent Smells In Glass Shower Vinegar is commonly used for cleaning due to its acidity and antimicrobial properties. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 3 May 2025

Use Eucalyptus Oil Eucalyptus oil can relieve nasal congestion and has antimicrobial effects that encourage your body to get over a cold or flu faster. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 29 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for antimicrobial

• microbial

Medical Definition

antimicrobial

1 of 2 adjective

an·​ti·​mi·​cro·​bi·​al ˌant-i-mī-ˌkrō-bē-əl 

variants also antimicrobic

-ˈkrō-bik 

: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms

antimicrobial

2 of 2 noun

variants also antimicrobic

: an antimicrobial substance