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Microbicidal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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microbicidal

[ˌmaɪkrəʊˈbɪsɪdəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

medical

Capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, especially bacteria.

Synonyms

antimicrobial, bactericidal, germicidal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
microbicidal

Microbicidal refers to substances that can kill or inactivate various types of microorganisms. It's often used in scientific and medical contexts to describe agents that eliminate a wide range of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

  • The laboratory tested the microbicidal properties of the new compound
  • The spray has microbicidal action, making it effective against a wide variety of pathogens
germicidal

Germicidal generally refers to substances that kill germs, and it is often used in everyday language and commercial settings to describe cleaning and disinfecting products. Germs can include bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.

  • The disinfectant spray is advertised as being 99
  • 9% germicidal
  • Germicidal wipes are handy for cleaning surfaces in high-traffic areas
antimicrobial

Antimicrobial is a broad term that encompasses agents that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. This word is commonly used in both everyday and scientific discussions to describe substances that fight infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

  • Doctors often prescribe antimicrobial medications to treat infections
  • The kitchen surfaces are coated with an antimicrobial layer to prevent contamination
bactericidal

Bactericidal specifically refers to substances that kill bacteria. It is typically used in medical and scientific settings and is often contrasted with bacteriostatic, which refers to substances that inhibit bacterial growth without necessarily killing the bacteria.

  • The antibiotic has a bactericidal effect, meaning it kills the bacteria causing the infection
  • Bleach is a common bactericidal agent used in hospitals

Examples of usage

  • The microbicidal properties of this disinfectant make it effective against a wide range of bacteria.
  • Proper hand hygiene is essential in healthcare settings to prevent the spread of infections, which is why microbicidal products are often used.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Microbicidal substances can be found in everyday products like disinfectants and antibiotics.
  • Research shows that certain microbicidal agents can target specific types of bacteria while leaving beneficial ones unharmed.
  • Many microbicidal methods involve altering the cell wall of microbes, making them unable to survive.

Healthcare

  • Hand sanitizers are a common microbicidal solution used to reduce harmful microbes on the skin.
  • Effective microbicidal treatments are crucial in hospitals to prevent infections in surgeries and patient care.
  • The discovery of microbicidal drugs has been pivotal in treating infectious diseases and reducing mortality rates.

Pop Culture

  • Movies related to infectious diseases often highlight the importance of microbicidal measures, raising awareness about hygiene.
  • In video games, characters may use microbicidal tools to defeat enemies represented as germs or viruses.

Environmental Impact

  • The use of microbicidal agents in agriculture can affect the balance of local ecosystems by killing beneficial microbes.
  • Efforts are ongoing to develop eco-friendly microbicidal products that minimize harm to the environment.

Origin of 'microbicidal'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'microbe,' which means a tiny living thing, and '-cidal,' meaning to kill.
  • The term combines Greek roots: 'mikros' for small and 'cida' from Latin meaning kill or cut down.

The term 'microbicidal' originates from the combination of 'micro-' meaning small and 'bicidal' meaning destructive or killing. It is commonly used in medical and healthcare contexts to describe substances or products that have the ability to kill microorganisms, particularly bacteria. The importance of microbicidal agents in preventing the spread of infections has led to the development and use of various disinfectants and antimicrobial products in healthcare facilities and everyday life.

See also: microbes, microbicide.