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Definition

adjective

Of, or pertaining to, a substance (or condition) that inhibit or prevent further growth of bacteria.

Supplement

Word origin: G.bakterion, little staff + Gk -statés, equiv. to sta- (s. of histánai to make stand; see stand) + -tés agent n. suffix.

Related forms: bacteriostat (noun).

Compare: bactericidal.
See also: bacteriostat.