'bacteric' originates from New Latin, specifically the word 'bactericus', where 'bacter-' comes from Greek 'baktērion' meaning 'small staff' (a rod) and the suffix '-icus' meant 'pertaining to'.

'bacteric' changed from New Latin word 'bactericus' used in scientific Latin and was adopted into English usage in the formation of adjectives relating to 'bacterium', eventually becoming the modern English adjective 'bacteric'.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to the small staff/rod (i.e., bacteria)', and over time it evolved into the current meaning of 'relating to bacteria' and, in some older usages, 'having bactericidal properties'.