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bacteriophage

bacteriophage

1 8.4
A virus that infects bacteria and kills them
  • noun
  • /bækˈtɪəriəˌfeɪdʒ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : bacteriófago
  • Scientists are exploring how bacteriophage can be used to treat bacterial infections effectively.
  • bacteriophage viruses
  • bacteriophages that kill

Examples

  • The recent federal draft plan on antibiotic resistance also highlights further development of bacteriophages as a promising form of biocontrol for foodborne pathogens.

    Academic text (2000)
  • Using bacteriophage in clinical trials showed promising results in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

  • A culture of bacteria exposed to attack by bacteriophage rapidly becomes phage resistant.

    Academic text (1993)
  • Several companies are interested in pursuing bacteriophages as a preharvest intervention strategy.

    Academic text (2006)
  • The work reported in this article indicates that bacteriophages may help reduce the risk from anthrax spores.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Further research has isolated bacteriophages that kill Salmonella from the feces of commercial swine.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Bacteriophages may be useful in the treatment of sepsis caused by antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

    Academic text (2017)
  • Sharra had been fascinated with the concept of isolating certain bacteria and finding ways to combat infection by developing special bacteriophages.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The research team isolated a specific bacteriophage that targets harmful bacteria in food products.

Synonyms

phage
vsbacteriophage
  • Specialized
6 9.6

A virus that infects and kills bacteria

has identical meaning but is the longer, more formal term

Antonyms

bacteriostasis
  • Specialized
9.9

To stop bacteria from growing without killing them

Compounds

typhoid bacteriophage
  • Specialized
8.2

A virus that infects the bacteria that cause typhoid fever

Surface Forms

bacteriophage singular

Morphology

bacteriophage = bacterio + phage (semi-transparent) = bacterio + phage

The components 'bacterio' and 'phage' are clear, but the specific scientific meaning might not be immediately apparent to all learners.

Etymology

Bacteriophage breaks into bacterio- meaning 'bacteria' and -phage meaning 'to eat', so it literally means a 'bacteria eater'. That's why a bacteriophage is a virus that infects and often destroys bacteria.