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bacteriophage

[ bak-teer-ee-uh-feyj ]

noun

  1. any of a group of viruses that infect specific bacteria, usually causing their disintegration or dissolution.


bacteriophage

/ bækˌtɪərɪəˈfædʒɪk; bækˈtɪərɪəˌfeɪdʒ; bækˌtɪərɪˈɒfəɡəs /

noun

  1. a virus that is parasitic in a bacterium and multiplies within its host, which is destroyed when the new viruses are released Often shortened tophage


bacteriophage

/ băk-tîrē-ə-fāj′ /

  1. A virus that infects and destroys bacterial cells.


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Derived Forms

  • bacteriophagic, adjective
  • bacteriophagous, adjective

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Other Words From

  • bac·te·ri·o·phag·ic [bak-teer-ee-, uh, -, faj, -ik, -, fey, -jik], bac·te·ri·oph·a·gous [bak-teer-ee-, of, -, uh, -g, uh, s], adjective
  • bac·te·ri·oph·a·gy [bak-teer-ee-, of, -, uh, -jee], noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of bacteriophage1

First recorded in 1920–25; from French bactériophage; bacterio-, -phage

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bacteriolysisbacteriorhodopsin