bacterial

Everyday

Bacterial means caused by bacteria or to do with bacteria, the tiny living things too small to see. tree →

In the lessons

In science and health lessons: bacterial infections can sometimes be treated with antibiotics, viral ones cannot; microorganisms, hygiene and food safety; phrases: bacterial infection, bacterial growth, bacterial cells.

Examples

• She had a bacterial infection and needed antibiotics. tree →
• Washing your hands reduces bacterial growth. tree →
• Leaving food out can lead to bacterial growth. tree →
• Scientists grew bacterial colonies on a dish. tree →
• Tooth decay is partly bacterial. tree →

Note

Made from «bacteria» (plural of bacterium). Trap: antibiotics work on bacterial infections, not viral ones like colds. Not all bacteria are harmful; many are helpful in our gut.