Cellulicidal

/ˌsɛljəlɪˈsaɪdəl/ adjective

Definition

Capable of killing cells; having the property of destroying or killing cellular life.

Etymology

From celluli- (relating to cells, from Latin cellula) + -cidal (from Latin caedere, to kill). Follows the pattern of bactericidal and fungicidal.

Kelly Says

Cellulicidal describes things that are cellular murderers—some cleaning products, antibiotics, and cancer drugs are cellulicidal, meaning they're designed to pick a fight with the wrong kinds of cells and win.

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