Definition
noun, plural: bactericides
A substance or agent capable of killing bacteria.
Supplement
Examples of bactericides are disinfectants, antiseptics and antibiotics.
Word origin: G.bakterion, little staff + late ME < L -cīda killer, -cīdium act of killing, derivatives of caedere to cut down, kill (in compounds -cīdere) .
Related forms: bactericidal (adjective), bactericidally (adverb).
Synonym: bacteriocide.
Compare: bacteriostat.
See also: bacteria, infection.
Dictionary > Bactericide
