Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
bacteriophagous

bacteriophagous

9.9
Relating to viruses or other agents that attack bacteria
  • adjective
  • /bækˌtɪəriˈoʊfədʒəs/
  • Specialized
: bacteriófago
  • Some viruses are bacteriophagous, meaning they can infect and destroy certain types of bacteria.

Examples

  • The bacteriophagous virus targets harmful bacteria in the gut.

  • The bacteriophagous properties of this compound make it valuable in controlling bacterial infections.

  • Scientists are studying bacteriophagous enzymes as a possible alternative to antibiotics.

  • Some viruses display bacteriophagous behavior, targeting specific bacterial populations for destruction.

  • Scientists are studying bacteriophagous organisms for new treatments.

  • Scientists are studying bacteriophagous organisms that specifically attack harmful bacteria.

  • The bacteriophagous abilities of certain viruses are being researched for use in medicine.

Synonyms

bacteriophagic
vsbacteriophagous
  • Specialized
9.9

About viruses that infect and kill bacteria

is the same meaning but emphasizes relation to agents that attack bacteria

Antonyms

bacteriostasis
  • Specialized
9.9

To stop bacteria from growing without killing them

Surface Forms

bacteriophagous positive

Morphology

bacteriophagous = bacteriophage (semi-transparent) = bacterio + phagous

The term 'bacteriophage' is known in scientific contexts, and the suffix '-ous' indicates relating to or possessing the qualities of.

Etymology

The word bacteriophagous comes from the parts bacterio- meaning 'small rod', which is the root of the word bacteria, and -phagous meaning 'to eat'. So bacteriophagous describes something that 'eats' or 'kills' bacteria, like a virus or enzyme that attacks bacterial cells.