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

While both honey and garlic do have some antimicrobial benefits, the recipes used can promote the growth of Clostridium botulinum. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 28 Sep. 2026

Apple cider vinegar combined with honey may aid digestion, blood sugar regulation, and heart health while offering antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. — Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2026

No autopsy was conducted, but the series of events convinced his parents that antimicrobial resistance – or AMR – had played a role in his death. — Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

Strong dosages of antimicrobial drugs and aggressive management of brain swelling can help treat someone who has become infected. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

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