Definition

Connected to or caused by tiny living organisms that can only be seen with a microscope, often responsible for diseases.

Example

The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection.

Conversation

I read an article about bacterial infections today.

Oh really? What did it say?

It mentioned how common bacterial diseases are in the winter.

That makes sense; I always get sick this time of year.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bacterial → It is formed from "bacterium" (from Greek "bakterion", meaning small staff or rod) and the suffix "-al" (meaning pertaining to). The word "bacterial" refers to something that is related to or characteristic of bacteria.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bacterium' as a small rod-like organism, and remember that 'bacterial' means something related to these tiny organisms.

Visually Confused Words