noun
- substances that inhibit the growth or reproduction of bacteria without necessarily killing them
Usage: medical; scientific; plural form
Examples
- The laboratory tested several bacteriostats to find the most effective treatment.
- Bacteriostats work by preventing bacterial cell division rather than destroying the cells.
- Some antibiotics function as bacteriostats while others act as bactericides.
- The researcher compared the effectiveness of different bacteriostats against various bacterial strains.
- Bacteriostats are often preferred when the body’s immune system can eliminate the weakened bacteria.
- The medical team chose bacteriostats to slow the infection’s spread.