Antimicrobial: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is broad and refers to any agent that kills or stops the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It is often used in a medical or scientific context when discussing interventions that target a wide range of pathogens.

• The doctor prescribed an antimicrobial ointment to prevent infection.
• Researchers are developing new antimicrobial materials for use in hospitals.

This term specifically targets bacteria. It is commonly used in contexts such as healthcare, household cleaning, and personal hygiene products. It may have a slightly clinical or marketing tone when mentioned in everyday products.

• This soap has antibacterial properties to help reduce germs on your hands.
• Antibacterial wipes are great for cleaning surfaces in the kitchen.

Antiseptics are used to kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms on living tissue, such as skin. They are commonly mentioned in medical or first aid contexts, and generally evoke the idea of cleanliness and preventing infection.

• Apply an antiseptic solution to the wound before bandaging it.
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash to help prevent gum disease.

Disinfectants are used to kill microorganisms on non-living surfaces, such as floors, countertops, and medical instruments. They are often mentioned in the context of cleaning and sanitizing in homes, hospitals, and other public spaces.

• Make sure to use a disinfectant on high-touch surfaces to reduce the spread of germs.
• The hospital uses a powerful disinfectant to clean surgical instruments.

This term is mistakenly duplicated; refer to the first entry for 'antimicrobial' for the correct context and examples.

This term specifically refers to drugs that are used to treat bacterial infections. It's commonly used in medical contexts when discussing treatments for bacterial diseases.

• She had a bacterial infection, so the doctor gave her an antibiotic.
• It's important to complete the full course of antibiotics even if you start feeling better.

This term refers to substances that kill germs, a term which generally includes bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. It's commonly used in everyday language and in the context of cleaning and disinfection.

• Most household disinfectants contain germicides to help kill harmful pathogens.
• They applied a germicide to the countertop after preparing raw chicken.

This term is used to describe a substance that specifically kills bacteria. It is often used in scientific and industrial contexts but can also be seen in healthcare.

• The lab uses a powerful bactericide to cleanse the equipment.
• Bactericides are often added to cleaning products to ensure surfaces are free of bacteria.