microbicide

noun

mi·​cro·​bi·​cide mī-ˈkrō-bə-ˌsīd How to pronounce microbicide (audio)
: an agent that destroys microbes (such as bacteria)
microbicidal adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The research involved whether a vaginal microbicide was useful against AIDS, which was rampant in South Africa. Neil Genzlinger, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2020 Another ingredient, the microbicide nonoxynol-9, has also been found to disrupt the balance of vaginal flora. Sofia Barrett-ibarria, Allure, 21 Sep. 2018 Today, other types of microbicides are being developed such as a vaginal ring that emits a very different anti-HIV drug. Washington Post, 1 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'microbicide.' 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

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of microbicide was in 1887

Dictionary Entries Near microbicide

Cite this Entry

“Microbicide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microbicide. Accessed 2 Apr. 2023.

Medical Definition

microbicide

noun
mi·​cro·​bi·​cide mī-ˈkrō-bə-ˌsīd How to pronounce microbicide (audio)
: an agent that destroys microbes

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