Definition

Relating to substances that kill bacteria.

Example

The new disinfectant is bacteriocidal and effective against a wide range of germs.

Conversation

I heard that some soaps are bacteriocidal and really effective against germs.

That's interesting! Do you think they really work better than regular soap?

Yeah, I think using bacteriocidal products can make a difference, especially during flu season.

I should look for one then; staying healthy is so important!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bacteriocidal is formed from "bacterium" (from Greek "bakterion", meaning rod or staff, referring to the shape of bacteria) and "-cidal" (from Latin "caedere", meaning to kill). The word describes something that kills bacteria.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bacterium' as referring to the tiny organisms and '-cidal' meaning to kill — together, they describe something that kills bacteria.

Visually Confused Words