1. substances that inhibit the growth or reproduction of bacteria without necessarily killing them
Usage: medical; scientific; plural form

Examples

• The laboratory tested several bacteriostats to find the most effective treatment.
• Bacteriostats work by preventing bacterial cell division rather than destroying the cells.
• Some antibiotics function as bacteriostats while others act as bactericides.
• The researcher compared the effectiveness of different bacteriostats against various bacterial strains.
• Bacteriostats are often preferred when the body’s immune system can eliminate the weakened bacteria.
• The medical team chose bacteriostats to slow the infection’s spread.