germicide
|ger-mi-cide|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈdʒɜːrmɪˌsaɪd/
🇬🇧
/ˈdʒɜːmɪˌsaɪd/
germ-killing agent
Etymology
Etymology Information
'germicide' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'germen,' where 'germen' meant 'sprout' or 'germ,' combined with the suffix '-cide' from Latin 'caedere,' meaning 'to kill.'
Historical Evolution
'germen' combined with '-cide' to form the modern English word 'germicide.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a substance that kills germs,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance or agent that kills germs, especially pathogenic microorganisms.
The hospital uses a powerful germicide to ensure all surfaces are sterile.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/28 15:32