Pronunciation: [baktˈi͡əɹɪˌɒstat] (IPA) 
The word bacteriostat is spelled with a "c" instead of a "k" due to its Greek origin. The prefix "bacterio" means bacteria and the suffix "-stat" means inhibit or stop. Therefore, bacteriostat refers to a substance that can inhibit or stop the growth of bacteria. The phonetic transcription of the word is /bækˈtɪəriəʊstæt/. It can be pronounced as "bak-TEER-ee-oh-stat" with the stress on the second syllable.
A bacteriostat is a chemical agent or substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria without causing their immediate death. It is commonly used in various fields, such as medicine, microbiology, and food preservation, to slow down bacterial growth and prevent bacterial infections or spoilage.
When applied to microorganisms, a bacteriostat works by interfering with their metabolic processes or inhibiting their ability to replicate. By preventing bacteria from multiplying, it allows the immune system or other antimicrobial agents to effectively eliminate the existing bacteria. Unlike bactericidal agents that directly kill bacteria, bacteriostats merely exert a temporary pause in their growth until the agent is removed or its concentration decreases.
Bacteriostats are commonly found in many health care products, such as antiseptics, disinfectants, and wound-healing creams, where their ability to control bacterial growth helps prevent infections. They are also used in laboratory settings to slow down the growth of unwanted bacteria, allowing the desired cultures to flourish instead.
In food preservation, bacteriostats are employed to extend the shelf life of perishable foods by inhibiting the growth of spoilage-causing bacteria. By reducing bacterial activity, the growth of mold and other microorganisms is also slowed, thus preventing food spoilage and preserving its quality and safety.
Overall, bacteriostats play a vital role in controlling bacterial populations, preventing infections, and ensuring the safety and longevity of various products.
Any agent which inhibits or retards bacterial growth.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "bacteriostat" is derived from two roots: "bacterio-" and "-stat".
The first part, "bacterio-", comes from the Greek word "baktḗria" (βακτηρία), meaning "rod" or "stick". In modern usage, it refers specifically to bacteria as microorganisms.
The second part, "-stat", is a suffix derived from the Greek word "statikós" (στατικός), meaning "causing to stand" or "stopping". It is commonly used in scientific and medical terminology to refer to substances or agents that inhibit or slow down a particular process.
Combining the two, the term "bacteriostat" refers to a substance or agent that inhibits or slows down the growth or reproduction of bacteria.
