Definition
noun, plural: bacteriostats
A biological or chemical agent causing bacteriostasis.
Supplement
Bacteriostatic agents are capable of stopping bacteria from reproducing but not completely destroying them. When the bacteriostat is removed, bacteria can start from growing or reproducing again.
Antibiotics, whose action is only bacteriostatic, hamper the growth of bacteria by interfering with the essential biological activities of bacteria, such as protein production, DNA replication, etc.
However, there is no precise distinction between bacteriostats and bactericides. Some bacteriostats applied in high concentrations can become bactericides whereas bactericides applied in low concentrations are only bacteriostats.
Word origin: G.bakterion, little staff + from G. -statēs, one that causes to stand.
Related forms: bacteriostatic (adjective), bacteriostatically (adverb).
Related phrases: reservoir bacteriostat.
Compare: bactericide.
See also: bacteria, infection.
Dictionary > Bacteriostat
You will also like...

Growth and Development of a Human Baby
Upon fertilization, a zygote forms and develops into an embryo. This tutorial elaborates on the growth and development f..

Adaptive Radiation
The diversification of several new species from a recent ancestral source, each adapted to utilize or occupy a vacant ad..

The Conscious & Unconscious Nervous System
This tutorial elaborates on how the nervous system works, particularly at the tissue level of the brain. There are three..

New Zealand’s Unique Fauna
Meet some of New Zealand's unique fauna, including endemic insects, frogs, reptiles, birds, and mammals, and investigate..

Cell Respiration
Cell respiration is the process of creating ATP. It is "respiration" because it utilizes oxygen. Know the different stag..

New Zealand’s Biodiversity
Find out more about New Zealand's unique biodiversity by exploring a range of different ecosystems and the key role of s..