antimicrobial
adjective
an·ti·mi·cro·bi·al
ˌan-ti-mī-ˈkrō-bē-əl 
: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms
antimicrobial
noun
Examples of antimicrobial in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The chlorophyll’s antimicrobial properties help to prevent cavities and freshen breath, while vitamins A, C, and E bolster gum health.
—
Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2025
Read more Food Hooters Files for Bankruptcy with Plan to Bring Back Original Founders
Bread Recall Over 'Serious' Allergic Reaction Fears
Antibacterial, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, among others, raise a honey's biological activity level.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Vinegar Although studies on the use of vinegar to cure athlete's foot are lacking, research has shown that apple cider vinegar has a strong antimicrobial effect against fungi.
—Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 28 Mar. 2025
The finding is significant in light of growing antimicrobial resistance, which the World Health Organization has described as a global public health threat that kills more than 4.5 million people worldwide each year.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
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Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2025
Read more Food Hooters Files for Bankruptcy with Plan to Bring Back Original Founders
Bread Recall Over 'Serious' Allergic Reaction Fears
Antibacterial, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, among others, raise a honey's biological activity level.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Vinegar Although studies on the use of vinegar to cure athlete's foot are lacking, research has shown that apple cider vinegar has a strong antimicrobial effect against fungi.
—Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 28 Mar. 2025
The finding is significant in light of growing antimicrobial resistance, which the World Health Organization has described as a global public health threat that kills more than 4.5 million people worldwide each year.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for antimicrobial
Cite this Entry
“Antimicrobial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antimicrobial. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
antimicrobial
1 of 2 adjective
an·ti·mi·cro·bi·al
ˌant-i-mī-ˌkrō-bē-əl
variants
also antimicrobic
: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms
antimicrobial
2 of 2 noun
variants
also antimicrobic
: an antimicrobial substance
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