Bacterial

/bæktɪəriəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
Relating to or caused by bacteria.
The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection.
Characterized by the presence of bacteria.
The bacterial growth in the petri dish was examined under the microscope.
Of or pertaining to bacteria as a group or class.
Some bacterial species are beneficial to human health.
Resulting from bacteria.
Bacterial contamination of the water supply led to widespread illness.
Having characteristics typical of bacteria.
The study focused on the bacterial properties of the newly discovered microorganism.

Etymology

Derived from the word 'bacterium' with the suffix '-al'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

bacterial infection
An infection caused by pathogenic bacteria.
bacterial resistance
The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of drugs that once treated them.

Related Words

bacterium
A single-celled microorganism that can exist independently or as a parasite.
antibacterial
Substances that destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Slang Meanings

Used informally to refer to something dirty or infected.
That place is so bacterial, I wouldn't eat there.