antimicrobial
|an-ti-mi-cro-bi-al|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.ti.maɪˈkroʊ.bi.əl/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.ti.maɪˈkrəʊ.bi.əl/
against microorganisms
Etymology
'antimicrobial' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anti-' meaning 'against' and 'microbios' meaning 'small life'.
'microbios' transformed into the modern English word 'microbe', and eventually combined with 'anti-' to form 'antimicrobial'.
Initially, it meant 'against small life forms', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
Antimicrobials are used in medicine to treat infections.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, especially bacteria.
The doctor prescribed an antimicrobial ointment for the infection.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/27 19:21