antimicrobial

adjective

an·​ti·​mi·​cro·​bi·​al ˌan-ti-mī-ˈkrō-bē-əl 

: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms

antimicrobial noun

Examples of antimicrobial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Children exposed to the common antimicrobial triclosan were more likely to develop allergic symptoms, a new study has found. —New Atlas, 3 July 2025

Sanitized is a 90-year-old producer of antimicrobial hygiene function and material protection for textiles and polymers. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 July 2025

Supports the Immune System Ginger may have antimicrobial properties, which can help boost your immune system. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 2 July 2025

Understanding these pathways in more detail could lead to new treatments that modulate immune responses more precisely, reducing collateral damage while preserving antimicrobial defenses. —Andrew Monteith, The Conversation, 25 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for antimicrobial

• microbial

Medical Definition

antimicrobial

1 of 2 adjective

an·​ti·​mi·​cro·​bi·​al ˌant-i-mī-ˌkrō-bē-əl 

variants also antimicrobic

-ˈkrō-bik 

: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms

antimicrobial

2 of 2 noun

variants also antimicrobic

: an antimicrobial substance