Definition

1. Verb:
   • To subject to the action of bacteria: The process of treating something with bacteria, often to induce a chemical change, such as in fermentation or decomposition.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The process is used to bacterise the organic waste, accelerating its breakdown.
  • In some traditional food preparations, they deliberately bacterise the milk to create cheese or yogurt.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Technical Context: The term is primarily used in scientific, agricultural, or industrial contexts to describe a controlled exposure to bacterial action.
  • Researchers aim to bacterise the contaminated soil to degrade the pollutants.

Variants and Related Words

• Bacterize (verb): An alternative spelling, primarily used in American English.
• Bacterisation/Bacterization (noun): The act or process of subjecting something to bacterial action.

Synonyms

• Inoculate: To introduce microorganisms, such as bacteria, into a substance.
• Ferment: To cause a substance to undergo fermentation, often involving bacterial action.

Notes on Meaning

• The word is a specific technical verb. It does not mean "to become infected with bacteria" but rather describes an intentional, often beneficial, process of applying or exposing something to bacteria.

Verb

1. subject to the action of bacteria