antimicrobial

adjective

an·​ti·​mi·​cro·​bi·​al ˌan-ti-mī-ˈkrō-bē-əl How to pronounce antimicrobial (audio)
: destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and especially pathogenic microorganisms
antimicrobial noun

Examples of antimicrobial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rosemary has been used as a healing herb for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Carley Millhone, Health, 23 Apr. 2025 Modern science has since confirmed its robust antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and today it’s being studied for many pharmaceutical applications. Bill Frist, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for antimicrobial

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antimicrobial was in 1883

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Cite this Entry

“Antimicrobial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antimicrobial. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

antimicrobial

1 of 2 adjective
an·​ti·​mi·​cro·​bi·​al ˌant-i-mī-ˌkrō-bē-əl How to pronounce antimicrobial (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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