Bacteriolytic: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is typically used in scientific or medical contexts to refer to something that causes the destruction or dissolution of bacteria.

• The bacteriolytic enzyme was highly effective in breaking down the bacterial cell walls.
• Researchers are studying bacteriolytic agents to develop new antibiotics.

This term is mostly used in scientific and medical fields to describe agents that outright kill bacteria, rather than just inhibiting their growth.

• The new drug has a strong bactericidal effect on a wide range of bacterial infections.
• Bactericidal properties are important for disinfectants used in hospitals.

Antibacterial is commonly used in everyday language as well as in medical and scientific contexts to describe anything that inhibits the growth of bacteria. This includes soaps, wipes, creams, and drugs.

• Antibacterial soap is recommended for cleaning wounds to prevent infection.
• Using antibacterial wipes can help to reduce the spread of germs on surfaces.

Microbicidal is a broader term that applies to agents that kill various types of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. It is often used in medical, scientific, and public health contexts.

• The spray is advertised as having microbicidal properties, effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Researchers are developing microbicidal gels that can be applied to the skin to prevent infections.

This word is used in scientific and medical contexts to describe substances or processes that cause bacteria to break down or dissolve.

• The agent exhibited bacteriolytic activity against several bacteria strains.
• Researchers are studying bacteriolytic enzymes to treat bacterial infections.

This is often used in scientific and medical contexts to describe processes or agents that cause the destruction or dissolution of cells. It can be used more broadly than bacteriolytic.

• Bacteriophages have a lytic cycle that destroys bacterial cells.
• The lytic ability of the compound was evident in its action on infected cells.

Used to describe substances that kill bacteria. Commonly found in scientific, medical, and even everyday contexts where the killing of bacteria is discussed.

• The new antibiotic has a strong bactericidal effect.
• Doctors often prescribe bactericidal drugs for serious infections.

This term is used to describe substances that kill a wide range of microorganisms, not just bacteria. It is common in scientific and medical discussions.

• The disinfectant is highly effective due to its microbicidal properties.
• Microbicidal agents are essential in the control of hospital-acquired infections.