biofilm
noun
bio·film
ˌbi-(ˌ)ō-ˈfilm 
: a thin usually resistant layer of microorganisms (such as bacteria) that form on and coat various surfaces
Examples of biofilm in a Sentence
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Green tea also blocks E. coli from forming a biofilm, which is a slimy, protective shield that bacteria create to stick together and resist treatment.8
Green tea may also help certain antibiotics, like amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin, work better.
—
Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 7 Apr. 2025
The study found that oyster blood can kill bacterial pathogens in the biofilms.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Jan. 2025
Testing the extract in biofilms was especially important, because bacteria sometimes armor themselves against antibiotics by cloaking themselves in a sticky matrix composed of microorganisms.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 21 Jan. 2025
As the water flows over this biofilm, the first kind—Nitrosomonas—converts ammonia from fish waste into nitrites, and the second kind—Nitrobacter—breaks down the nitrites into nitrates, which are relatively nontoxic to fish and good food for plants.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 June 2013
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Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 7 Apr. 2025
The study found that oyster blood can kill bacterial pathogens in the biofilms.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 22 Jan. 2025
Testing the extract in biofilms was especially important, because bacteria sometimes armor themselves against antibiotics by cloaking themselves in a sticky matrix composed of microorganisms.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 21 Jan. 2025
As the water flows over this biofilm, the first kind—Nitrosomonas—converts ammonia from fish waste into nitrites, and the second kind—Nitrobacter—breaks down the nitrites into nitrates, which are relatively nontoxic to fish and good food for plants.
—IEEE Spectrum, 3 June 2013
See All Example Sentences for biofilm
Cite this Entry
“Biofilm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biofilm. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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biofilm
noun
bio·film
ˈbī-ō-ˌfilm
: a thin usually resistant layer of microorganisms (as bacteria) that form on and coat various surfaces (as of catheters or water pipes)
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