Definition

Referring to something that is not caused by or related to bacteria.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with a nonbacterial infection.

Conversation

I heard that some throat infections are actually nonbacterial.

Really? I thought most infections were caused by bacteria.

Yeah, they can be viral instead, which is interesting.

That makes sense! It's good to know there are different types.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonbacterial → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "bacterium" (from Greek "bakterion", meaning rod or staff, referring to bacteria). The word "nonbacterial" means not related to or caused by bacteria.

Memory Tip

Think of 'non-' meaning not, and 'bacterium' referring to bacteria — so nonbacterial means something that is not related to bacteria.

Visually Confused Words