A compound that destroys bacteria on contact and has residual activity to continue to kill bacteria on a surface is called a ______________.

The term that describes a compound which not only destroys bacteria upon contact but also possesses residual activity to continue eliminating bacteria on surfaces is a bactericide. Bactericides are designed specifically to kill bacteria directly and have a mechanism that allows them to remain active even after initial application, ensuring ongoing protection against bacterial growth.

This quality of residual activity is crucial in settings where maintaining a sterile environment is essential, such as in food processing or healthcare facilities. By effectively killing bacteria both at the moment of application and afterward, bactericides help prevent contamination and the spread of infections.

Other terms listed, such as bacteristat and chemistat, refer to substances that inhibit bacterial growth rather than kill bacteria outright, which differentiates their function from that of a bactericide. A chemicide is a broader term that can encompass various chemical agents used to kill a variety of microorganisms, but it doesn’t specifically emphasize the ongoing action against bacteria like a bactericide does.