Antimicrobial

Antimicrobial is a property typically associated with substances of a liquid composition. Antimicrobial liquids kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or protozoans. Antimicrobial drugs (e.g. penicillin) are selective, and kill microbes (microbiocidal) or prevent their growth (microbiostatic). Disinfectants are nonselective antimicrobial substances (e.g. bleach), and are used on non-living objects or the outside of the body.