colicin

/ˈkɑləsɪn/
noun
  1. A type of protein produced by some bacteria that kills or stops the growth of other bacteria.
    • Scientists study colicin to understand how bacteria compete with each other.
    • The bacteria released colicin to eliminate nearby rival microbes.
    • Colicin can be used as a natural antibiotic against certain harmful bacteria.
Synonyms