bacterize

verb

bac·​te·​rize ˈbak-tə-ˌrīz How to pronounce bacterize (audio)
bacterized; bacterizing

transitive verb

: to subject to bacterial action
bacterization
ˌbak-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce bacterize (audio)
noun

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bacterize was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near bacterize

bacteriuria

bacterize

bacteroid

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Bacterize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bacterize. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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Medical Definition

bacterize

transitive verb
bac·​te·​rize
variants or British bacterise
ˈbak-tə-ˌrīz How to pronounce bacterize (audio)
bacterized or British bacterised; bacterizing or British bacterising
: to subject to bacterial action
bacterization noun
or British bacterisation
ˌbak-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce bacterize (audio)
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