bacteriophage
Bacteriophage (noun) means a bacteriophage is a type of virus that infects bacteria. Example: “Researchers used a bacteriophage to destroy the harmful bacteria in the sample.”
How to use bacteriophage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA virus that attacks bacteria rather than human or animal cells.
Bacteriophage is a technical term used mainly in microbiology and medicine.
In casual scientific speech, phage is often used as a shorter alternative to bacteriophage.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Researchers used a _____ to destroy the harmful bacteria in the sample.
Etymology
Bacteriophage was borrowed from French bactériophage, a term coined by the microbiologist Félix d'Hérelle. It combines a form meaning 'bacteria' with a Greek-derived ending meaning 'eater'.
