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Bactericide Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bactericide

[bak-ter-uh-sahyd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medicine

A substance that kills bacteria.

Synonyms

bacteriocide, bacteriolytic, bacteriostat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bactericide

Appears to be a repeated entry and should be treated the same as 'bactericide'.

  • The same contexts and examples as for 'bactericide' apply here
bacteriocide

Another variant of 'bactericide' often used interchangeably but sometimes found in technical or scientific literature.

  • Researchers applied a bacteriocide to the culture to prevent contamination
  • Hospitals use bacteriocides to sterilize medical instruments
bacteriostat

Indicates a substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria without necessarily killing them. Often used in scenarios where control rather than elimination of bacteria is needed.

  • The solution acted as a bacteriostat, preventing the bacteria from spreading
  • Bacteriostats are important in food preservation to inhibit bacterial growth
bacteriolytic

Refers specifically to substances or processes that destroy bacteria by lysing their cell walls. More technical and specific usage, often in scientific studies.

  • The bacteriolytic enzyme broke down the cell walls of the bacteria
  • Scientists observed bacteriolytic activity in the sample

Examples of usage

  • The bactericide was effective in treating the infection.
  • Antibiotics are a common form of bactericide.
  • The doctor prescribed a bactericide to fight the bacterial infection.
  • The bactericide worked by destroying the cell walls of the bacteria.
  • Bactericides are essential in modern medicine for treating bacterial infections.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • In the early 20th century, the discovery of antibiotics marked a significant advancement, leading to the development of bactericides for medical use.
  • The introduction of penicillin during World War II saved countless lives, highlighting the importance of bactericidal substances in medicine.
  • Bactericides have evolved from simple chemical compounds to complex molecules designed to target specific bacterial functions.

Science

  • Bactericides work by disrupting essential functions in bacterial cells, such as cell wall synthesis or protein production.
  • They can be found in various forms, including liquids, sprays, and wipes, and are commonly used in hospitals and households.
  • Not all bactericides are effective against every type of bacteria; some are specifically tailored to combat resistant strains.

Health and Safety

  • Overuse of certain bactericides can contribute to antibiotic resistance, which makes future infections harder to treat.
  • It's important to follow instructions for use to avoid negative health effects, such as skin irritation or environmental harm.
  • Testing and regulation of these substances are crucial to ensure safety for human users and the ecosystem.

Pop Culture

  • Bactericides often feature in movies and shows about pandemics or science fiction, showcasing a world grappling with harmful germs.
  • Hygiene products marketed as bactericidal are popular in advertising, often being positioned as must-haves for health-conscious consumers.
  • Commercial brands use catchy names and slogans to make bactericides appealing, while emphasizing their germ-fighting capabilities.

Origin of 'bactericide'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'baktฤ“ria', meaning 'staff' or 'rod', which refers to the shape of many bacteria.
  • The suffix '-cide' is derived from the Latin 'caedere', which means 'to kill'. It is used in many words like 'homicide' and 'insecticide'.
  • Together, the term literally means 'to kill bacteria.'

The word 'bactericide' originates from the combination of 'bacterium' and 'cide', which means to kill. It was first used in the late 19th century to describe substances that can kill bacteria. Bactericides play a crucial role in medicine and agriculture, as they help control bacterial infections and diseases. Over the years, the development of bactericides has significantly improved healthcare and food safety by effectively combating harmful bacteria.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,718, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.