noun
- a substance that inhibits the growth or reproduction of bacteria without necessarily killing them
Usage: medical; scientific
Examples
- The antibiotic acts as a bacteriostat, preventing bacterial multiplication.
- Researchers tested the new compound as a potential bacteriostat.
- Unlike bactericides, a bacteriostat does not kill bacteria directly.
- The laboratory used a bacteriostat to control contamination.
- This bacteriostat is effective against gram-positive bacteria.
- The medication functions as both an antibiotic and a bacteriostat.