What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
antiseptic
Example
The nurse applied antiseptic to the patient's wound before bandaging it. [antiseptic: noun]
Example
You should use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and maintain oral hygiene. [antiseptic: adjective]
germicide
Example
The hospital uses a powerful germicide to sterilize surgical instruments. [germicide: noun]
Example
Make sure to wash your hands with a germicide soap to kill any harmful bacteria. [germicide: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Antiseptic is more commonly used than germicide in everyday language. Antiseptic is a term that is widely known and used in various contexts, including healthcare, first aid, and personal hygiene. On the other hand, germicide is a more specialized term primarily used in medical and scientific settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between antiseptic and germicide?
Both antiseptic and germicide are formal terms used in professional and technical contexts. However, germicide may be considered slightly more formal due to its specific association with medical and scientific fields.
