germicide

noun

ger·​mi·​cide ˈjər-mə-ˌsīd 

plural germicides

: something (such as an antiseptic or disinfectant) that destroys or inactivates pathogens (such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi) : an agent or preparation that is effective against germs

A better solution for people with babies or immune-compromised patients at home is to use an alcohol-based gel, which kills germs by drying them out. Last week the CDC recommended these waterless germicides even in hospitals.

—Bret Begun

Most cationic surfactants behave as germicides.

—Des W. Connell

Examples of germicide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to a news release, Enviro-Master uses a non-toxic, non-corrosive and food-safe germicide that's dispensed from an electrostatic sprayer, basically the equivalent of a proton pack for germs. —Slone Terranella, Detroit Free Press, 3 Dec. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

germicide

noun

ger·​mi·​cide ˈjər-mə-ˌsīd 

: a substance that destroys germs

Medical Definition

germicide

noun

ger·​mi·​cide ˈjər-mə-ˌsīd 

: something (as an antiseptic or disinfectant) that destroys or inactivates pathogens (as bacteria, viruses, and fungi) : an agent or preparation that is effective against germs

According to the CDC, some commercially available germicides can rapidly kill ordinary vegetative forms of bacteria such as staphylococci and streptococci …

—Dan Scungio, Medical Laboratory Observer

Most cationic surfactants behave as germicides.

—Des W. Connell, Basic Concepts of Environmental Chemistry