# bacterial

/bækˈtɪɹiəɫ/ (US) · /bæktˈiəɹɪəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bacterial
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "a bacteria infection" but "a bacterial infection" — Learners often use the noun 'bacteria' as a modifier instead of the correct adjective form 'bacterial'.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun like 'infection', 'growth', or 'disease'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.