1. a virus that infects and replicates within bacteria, often destroying the host cell
Usage: commonly abbreviated as 'phage'; used in microbiology and molecular biology

Examples

• Scientists use bacteriophages to study how viruses attack bacterial cells.
• The bacteriophage inserted its genetic material into the bacterium.
• Researchers are exploring bacteriophages as an alternative to antibiotics for treating infections.
• A single bacteriophage can destroy an entire bacterial colony.
• The structure of bacteriophages makes them useful tools in genetic engineering.
• Bacteriophages have been used in phage therapy to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.