Having the ability to kill living organisms, especially microorganisms like bacteria or fungi.
From biocide (bio- 'life' + -cide 'to kill'), with the adjective suffix -al. The concept emerged in the 20th century as chemistry developed substances to eliminate unwanted organisms.
Everything from the bleach in your bathroom to the copper coating on boat hulls is biocidal—substances that wage chemical warfare against microbes trying to colonize spaces.
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