Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
bacteriostasis
noun
/ˌbakteəriəˈstāsɪs/
Definition
The inhibition of the growth and reproduction of bacteria.
Examples
- The use of antibiotics can sometimes lead to bacteriostasis rather than outright bacteria death.
- In laboratory settings, scientists may apply bacteriostatic agents to observe bacterial behavior under controlled conditions.
- Some preservatives function through bacteriostasis, preventing spoilage in food products.
Meaning
Bacteriostasis refers to a condition where bacterial growth is halted or slowed down without killing the bacteria. It allows the bacteria to survive but remain inactive, often used to control bacterial populations in various environments.
Synonyms
- bacterial inhibition
- bacteriostatic action
- bacterial stasis
