Word
bacterial
Phoneticsbac·te·ri·al, stress on the second syllable
US/bækˈtɪɹiəɫ/
UK/bæktˈiəɹɪəl/
Medicine
Definition
adj. caused by or relating to bacteria. You use this to describe illnesses or things that involve tiny living organisms that can sometimes make you sick.
adj. relating to, caused by, or consisting of bacteria. Often used to distinguish specific types of infection from those caused by viruses or fungi.
Examples
“The doctor gave me medicine for a bacterial infection.”
“Washing your hands regularly is a simple way to prevent the spread of bacterial diseases in public spaces.”
“The researcher noted that the bacterial colony exhibited significant resistance to standard antibiotics after only three generations of exposure to the compound.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor gave me medicine for a bacterial infection.”
contextual
“Washing your hands regularly is a simple way to prevent the spread of bacterial diseases in public spaces.”
complex
“The researcher noted that the bacterial colony exhibited significant resistance to standard antibiotics after only three generations of exposure to the compound.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “bacterial” in context.
Usage
Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun like 'infection', 'growth', or 'disease'.
Pitfall
a bacteria infection
a bacterial infection
Learners often use the noun 'bacteria' as a modifier instead of the correct adjective form 'bacterial'.
Real-World Examples
“The bacterial species group A Streptococcus , or group A strep, is the most common culprit behind necrotizing fasciitis.” “Different phages recognize different parts of bacterial cells.” Etymology
From bacteria + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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