A substance or agent that kills germs and microorganisms, used to prevent infection and disease.
From 'germ' (microorganism) + Latin 'caedere' (to kill). This compound noun emerged in the 1880s-1890s during the era of germ theory's acceptance and the commercial development of disinfectants.
Germicides transformed public health—Lysol was originally marketed as a germicide for 'feminine hygiene' in the 1920s-1960s, and this misleading advertising actually became one of history's biggest medical marketing scandals when doctors finally called out the unnecessary harm.
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