subinhibitory

adjective

sub·​in·​hib·​i·​to·​ry ˌsəb-in-ˈhi-bə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: not producing inhibition (as of bacterial growth) : not completely inhibitory

nonlethal, subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

subinhibitory

adjective

sub·​in·​hib·​i·​to·​ry ˈsəb-in-ˈhi-bə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: being or containing a concentration that is below one capable of inhibiting the detectable growth and replication of a microorganism

subinhibitory concentrations of antimicrobial agents

subinhibitory antibiotics

subinhibitory doses