Bacteriosolvent

/ˌbæktɪriˈɑlvənt/ adjective

Definition

Having the ability to dissolve or break down bacteria; capable of destroying or decomposing bacterial cells.

Etymology

From 'bacterio-' (bacteria) + 'solvent' (from Latin 'solvens,' meaning dissolving or loosening), a technical term from the early 20th century for substances that can destroy bacteria.

Kelly Says

Bacteriosolvent compounds are essentially the precursors to antibiotics—they work by literally dissolving bacterial cell walls, which is why they kill bacteria while often leaving human cells relatively unharmed.

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