Antibacteriolytic

/ˌæntiˌbækˌtɪriəˈlɪtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Preventing or opposing bacteriolysis, the breaking down or destruction of bacterial cells.

Etymology

From anti- (against) + bacteriolytic (from bacteria + lytic, from Greek lytikos dissolving). This highly technical immunological term refers to substances that prevent the rupture of bacterial cell membranes.

Kelly Says

In your immune system, bacteriolysins break down bacteria, but some bacteria evolved antibacteriolytic defenses to protect themselves—it's an ongoing molecular arms race between your body and pathogens!

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