B2adjectivehealthscience
US/bækˈtɪr.i.əl/
UK/bækˈtɪə.ri.əl/
caused by, containing or relating to bacteria
In context
Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, not viruses.
The doctor said my sore throat was bacterial and prescribed medicine.
Bacterial growth is much faster in warm kitchens than in cold ones.
Words that go with bacterial
adjective + noun
- bacterial infectionShe was treated for a bacterial infection.
- bacterial growthCold storage slows bacterial growth in milk.
- bacterial diseaseCholera is a serious bacterial disease.
- bacterial contaminationTests found bacterial contamination in the water.
- bacterial resistanceOverusing antibiotics increases bacterial resistance.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
bacteria infectionCorrect: bacterial infection