Origin: Greek prefix anti-
Antimicrobial has 4 different meanings across 2 categories:
an agent (as heat or radiation or a chemical) that destroys microorganisms that might carry disease
"The hospital staff implemented strict antimicrobial protocols, including UV light sterilization and specialized cleaning agents, to eliminate all potential pathogens from the operating rooms."
an agent that destroys microbes, inhibits their growth, or prevents or counteracts their pathogenic action
"The hospital switched to antimicrobial soap for all staff members after a surge in resistant bacterial infections."
capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of disease-causing microorganisms
"The doctor prescribed a new antimicrobial cream to stop the infection from spreading on his son's scraped knee."
tending to destroy or capable of destroying microbes
"The doctor recommended an antimicrobial soap to help eliminate the bacteria on his hands before surgery."