bacterial
adjective
UK/bækˈtɪə.ri.əl/US/bækˈtɪr.i.əl/
relating to or caused by bacteria
Example Sentences
The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat her bacterial infection.
Bacterial growth can be minimized by storing perishable items at low temperatures.
Proper handwashing is crucial to prevent bacterial contamination.
Many bacterial strains have developed resistance to standard antibiotics.
Scientists carefully monitor bacterial cultures to understand their growth patterns.
Bacterial diseases can become serious public health threats if they spread uncontrollably, particularly in regions lacking adequate sanitation or healthcare infrastructure.
Certain dairy products, like yogurt and cheese, rely on specific bacterial cultures for their unique flavors and textures.
Emerging research focuses on using bacterial enzymes to break down plastics, an approach that could revolutionize waste management.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Describes anything relating to bacteria, including infections or processes driven by them.“Bacterial” is an adjective that links something directly to bacteria—tiny, often single-celled microorganisms found almost everywhere: in soil, water, inside and on our bodies. When you label something “bacterial,” it may involve bacterial growth, presence, or effect. For instance, a “bacterial infection” suggests illness caused by harmful bacteria, requiring treatment like antibiotics. “Bacterial fermentation” refers to bacteria transforming substances (e.g., in yogurt production). In broader contexts, referencing “bacterial communities” can highlight beneficial relationships in the gut microbiome or environmental processes. The key idea is that “bacterial” underscores involvement or influence of bacteria, whether beneficial, neutral, or harmful.
Alternatives
If you want synonyms or related forms, you might say “microbial” for a more general reference to microorganisms (which can include bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.). “Germ-related” is casual but less technical and can include multiple types of microorganisms. “Bacterial” is specific to bacteria, distinguishing them from viruses or other microbes. If describing something pertaining to viruses, “viral” is used; to fungi, “fungal.” Meanwhile, “bacteriological” can be a more formal term for studies or considerations specifically about bacteria.
Writing
In formal or scientific writing, specifying “bacterial” clarifies the type of microorganism at play—like “bacterial pneumonia,” distinct from “viral pneumonia.” In research papers, you might reference “bacterial strains,” “bacterial metabolism,” or “bacterial resistance.” Including species names (e.g., Escherichia coli) or the environment they thrive in (gut, soil, etc.) helps readers grasp the precise scope. If addressing health topics, you could explain how bacterial pathogens differ from viral or parasitic ones in modes of transmission or treatment. Clarity about the context—medical, environmental, industrial—ensures readers see how the bacteria shape the process or condition in question.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, people usually mention “bacterial” when discussing infections—like a sinus infection that might be bacterial rather than viral, or “bacterial contamination” in food. Someone might say, “The doctor said it’s a bacterial infection, so I’m on antibiotics.” Or you could talk about “bacterial growth” in a neglected fridge, implying you need a thorough cleaning. While it has a mainly scientific or medical ring, “bacterial” also pops up in casual talk when clarifying why antibiotics might help or how something gets tainted—like “bacterial spoilage” of leftovers. It underscores that the culprit or process specifically involves bacteria, not viruses or other microbes.
Etymology
“Bacterial” stems from “bacterium,” itself from the Greek “baktḗrion,” meaning “staff” or “rod,” referencing the rod-like shape of many bacteria as first observed under microscopes. Over time, as microbiology advanced, “bacterium” became the standard singular form (with “bacteria” as the plural), and “bacterial” emerged to describe anything relating to these organisms. By the late 19th century, scientific research confirmed bacteria’s role in fermentation, decomposition, and disease, cementing “bacterial” in fields spanning medicine, agriculture, and food production.
