Definition

Not having any bacteria or not related to bacteria.

Example

The abacterial environment in the laboratory ensures that no bacteria can contaminate the experiments.

Conversation

I read that some infections are actually abacterial in nature.

Really? I didn’t know that was possible.

Yeah, it means they aren't caused by bacteria at all.

That's interesting! I guess it changes how they would be treated.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Abacterial → It is formed from "a-" (meaning without) and "bacterium" (from Greek "bakterion", meaning rod or staff, referring to bacteria). The word "abacterial" means without bacteria or free from bacteria.

Memory Tip

Think of 'a-' meaning without, and 'bacterium' referring to bacteria — so abacterial means free from bacteria.

Visually Confused Words