antimicrobial

adjective

an·​ti·​mi·​cro·​bi·​al ˌan-ti-mī-ˈkrō-bē-əl How to pronounce antimicrobial (audio)
: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms
antimicrobial noun

Examples of antimicrobial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Bamboo is durable and long-lasting as well as antimicrobial. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024 As part of a sweeping anti-waste plan, the Biden administration is calling for new ways to package food that uses climate-friendly, antimicrobial material designed to reduce reliance on plastic. Kim Severson, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2024 This citrus fruit is also low in calories and has antioxidants that provide anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial benefits.23 13. Christine Mattheis, Health, 30 Mar. 2024 These viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi have evolved to resist our available varieties of antimicrobial drugs. Howard Dean, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2024 Its versatility is only part of its appeal: the top boasts a secret stash pocket to protect your valuables, and both pieces are ideal for wearing repeatedly thanks to their antimicrobial, breathable, spill-resistant and wrinkle-proof fabric. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2024 For an infected wound, the insects are possibly applying saliva that has antimicrobial compounds and proteins. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 3 Jan. 2024 To give one example, some of them fight off antimicrobial peptides produced by the nematode. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 18 Dec. 2023 The companies will also have to test for the antimicrobial chemical in the air and make sure their pollution controls are working properly. Matthew Daly, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'antimicrobial.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antimicrobial was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near antimicrobial

Cite this Entry

“Antimicrobial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antimicrobial. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

antimicrobial

1 of 2 adjective
an·​ti·​mi·​cro·​bi·​al ˌant-i-mī-ˌkrō-bē-əl How to pronounce antimicrobial (audio)
variants also antimicrobic
: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms

antimicrobial

2 of 2 noun
variants also antimicrobic
: an antimicrobial substance
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!