Bacteriolytic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bacteriolytic

[ˌbakˌtɪərɪəˈlɪtɪk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

medical

Destroying or capable of destroying bacteria.

Synonyms

antibacterial, bactericidal, microbicidal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bacteriolytic	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.
bactericidal	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	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	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.

Examples of usage

The bacteriolytic enzyme effectively killed the harmful bacteria.
After taking the bacteriolytic medication, the patient showed improvement in his condition.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

biology

Causing the lysis of bacteria.

Synonyms

bactericidal, lytic, microbicidal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bacteriolytic	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.
lytic	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.
bactericidal	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.
microbicidal	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.

Examples of usage

The bacteriolytic effect of the new antibiotic was observed in the lab.
The bacteriolytic properties of the chemical compound were tested in the experiment.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

Certain viruses, called bacteriophages, can specifically target and destroy bacteria, demonstrating natural bacteriolytic activity.
Antibiotics are among the most well-known bacteriolytic agents, as they can effectively kill or inhibit the growth of bacterial cells.

Medicine

Bacteriolytic treatments are crucial in managing bacterial infections, especially with the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains.
Research is ongoing into developing bacteriolytic therapies as a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics.

History

In the early 1900s, scientists discovered bacteriolytic properties in certain serums, paving the way for modern immunology.
Notably, the work of Louis Pasteur involved bacteriolysis, leading to techniques for vaccination and controlling infectious diseases.

Pop Culture

Movies and books often depict scientists using bacteriolytic substances in thrilling narratives about battling germs or bioweapons.
Some characters are portrayed as using bacteria-fighting technology, which alludes to the principles of bacteriolytic actions in real life.

Origin of 'bacteriolytic'

Main points about word origin

'Bacteriolytic' comes from the Greek 'bacterion' meaning 'little stick,' which refers to bacteria's rod-like shape.
The suffix 'lytic' comes from 'lysis,' meaning to break down, illustrating the action of these substances on bacteria.

The term 'bacteriolytic' is derived from the combination of 'bacteria' and 'lytic', with 'lytic' referring to the process of breaking down. Bacteriolytic substances or treatments are important in the field of medicine and biology for combating bacterial infections. The discovery and development of bacteriolytic agents have played a crucial role in the history of medicine, leading to significant advancements in the treatment of various bacterial diseases.