Designed or treated to prevent the growth or transmission of germs and microorganisms.
From germ and proof (from Old French prueve, to test or prove), combining to mean 'resistant to germs,' a compound that became common in advertising during the antibiotic age.
Germproof claims on products are often exaggerated—nothing is truly germproof, but surfaces can be treated with antimicrobials like copper and silver that slowly kill bacteria over time.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.