WordGarden.iobacteriological
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /bæktˈiərɪəlˈɒdʒɪkəl/
US
Meanings
Adjective
relating to bacteria or the scientific study of them
Beyond the definition
If you've ever wondered what causes food poisoning, or how scientists identify the source of an infection, they're likely working in a bacteriological field. The word comes from "bacteria" (those tiny single-celled organisms) and is linked to bacteriology, so it refers to matters connected to bacteria—especially their growth, identification, effects, and control.
Think about a bacteriological lab: it's filled with microscopes, Petri dishes, and scientists carefully studying these microscopic worlds. It's not just about sickness, though! Bacteriological research is also vital for things like making yogurt, brewing beer, and even cleaning up oil spills using helpful bacteria.
The term bacteriological refers to anything related to the study of bacteria—those single-celled microorganisms that are everywhere around us, both helpful and harmful. It's a word you'll often encounter in scientific contexts, particularly within biology, medicine, and environmental science.
A bacteriological investigation might involve identifying the specific type of bacteria causing an illness, analyzing water samples for contamination, or studying how bacteria interact with their environment. You could describe a disease outbreak as a bacteriological threat, meaning it's caused by harmful bacteria.
The field extends beyond just identification; bacteriological research also focuses on controlling bacterial growth through sterilization techniques, antibiotics, and even harnessing the power of "good" bacteria for beneficial purposes like fermentation (think yogurt or cheese!).
You might read about a bacteriological study in a scientific journal detailing new findings about antibiotic resistance. Or perhaps you'll see it used to describe a bacteriological safety level—a set of precautions taken when working with potentially dangerous bacteria in a lab.
So, whenever you encounter the word bacteriological, remember it's all about the fascinating and often invisible world of bacteria and their impact on our lives—from health and disease to food production and environmental processes.
Examples
- 1
Water safety
The town closed the beach until bacteriological tests showed the water was safe.
- 2
Medical testing
The doctor sent the sample to a bacteriological laboratory for further study.
- 3
Public policy
The book examines how fear of bacteriological warfare shaped public policy in the 20th century.
- Phrasebacteriological warfare
the use of bacteria as a weapon
See also
Similar
- bacteriologic
- microbiological
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- virological
- mycological
Used with (collocations)
- bacteriological examination
- bacteriological analysis
- bacteriological culture
- bacteriological safety
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- bacteriologicaladjective