Antibacterial

Origin

- + bacterial

Full definition of antibacterial

Adjective

1. Killing or inhibiting bacteria.
• 2013, Katrina G. Claw, Rapid Evolution in Eggs and Sperm, Many genes with reproductive roles also have antibacterial and immune functions, which indicate that the threat of microbial attack on the sperm or egg may be a major influence on rapid evolution during reproduction.
2. This drug has an antibacterial effect.

Noun

1. (pharmacology) A drug having the effect of killing or inhibiting bacteria.Many household products contain antibacterials.

Related terms

• anti-
• bacteria
• bacterium