Antibacterial

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Involving agents that prevent the proliferation of bacteria
2. Pertaining to compounds that hinder bacterial growth and infection
3. Relating to substances or actions that stop bacteria from growing or kill them

Etymology: The core of this word is a modern scientific coinage built from ancient Greek pieces. "Bacteria" comes from the Greek "baktērion," a diminutive of "baktēria," meaning a staff or walking stick. The microbes were named for their rod-like shape, and the name was given to them in New Latin, not by the ancient Greeks, who knew nothing of bacteria. The prefix "anti-" comes from the Greek "anti," meaning "against" or "opposite." Joined to "bacterial," the word simply means "against bacteria," which is why it describes substances that stop bacteria from growing or causing infection. "Bacterial" is itself formed from "bacteria" with the suffix "-al," which turns a noun into an adjective related to it. The compound is transparent in construction: a prefix from Greek, attached to an adjective built from a Greek-derived noun. Its meaning has stayed close to its parts since it was formed, so nothing about its sense has shifted over time.

Synonyms: antimicrobial, germicidal, bactericidal

Antonyms: bacterial, infectious, contagious