OLIGODYNAMIC Meaning and
Definition
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Oligodynamic refers to the ability of certain elements or substances to exhibit potent antimicrobial or germicidal properties even at very low concentrations. The term is derived from the Greek words "oligo," meaning few or small, and "dynamos," meaning power or force. These substances are often metallic elements, such as silver, copper, mercury, or zinc, which possess toxic or inhibitory effects on microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa.
The oligodynamic effect is a result of the oligodynamic elements' ability to release ions or react with components of microorganisms, disrupting their vital processes and ultimately causing their death or inhibiting their growth. These elements have a broad-spectrum antimicrobial action, targeting a wide range of organisms, including both harmful and beneficial microbes.
Oligodynamic substances have found various applications in medical and healthcare settings, water purification, food preservation, and household products. They are commonly used in the manufacturing of antimicrobial coatings, wound dressings, disinfectants, and dental materials. Furthermore, oligodynamic properties have been exploited in ancient civilizations, such as the use of silverware to prevent food spoilage or the use of copper containers to store liquids.
In summary, the term oligodynamic refers to the powerful antimicrobial properties exhibited by certain metallic elements, resulting in the ability to kill or inhibit the growth of microbes even at low concentrations.
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Active in very small quantity; noting, for example, the germicidal effect of an exceedingly dilute solution (such as one to one hundred million) of copper in distilled water.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OLIGODYNAMIC
- iligodynamic
- kligodynamic
- lligodynamic
- pligodynamic
- 0ligodynamic
- 9ligodynamic
- okigodynamic
- opigodynamic
- ooigodynamic
- olugodynamic
- oljgodynamic
- olkgodynamic
- ologodynamic
- ol9godynamic
- ol8godynamic
- olifodynamic
- olivodynamic
- olibodynamic
- olihodynamic
- oliyodynamic
Etymology of OLIGODYNAMIC
The word "oligodynamic" is derived from the Greek words "oligos" meaning "few" and "dynamis" meaning "force" or "power". In etymology, "oligogenic" refers to substances or elements that exhibit strong antimicrobial properties even at very low concentrations. The term was originally coined by Danish scientist Dr. Karl Wilhelm Nägeli in the late 19th century to describe the ability of certain metals like silver, copper, and mercury to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. These elements were found to possess significant germicidal properties due to their ability to release ions that are toxic to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Today, the term "oligodynamic" is often used to describe the antimicrobial activity of various substances, particularly metals.
