Which term refers to a substance that inhibits the growth of microorganisms?

The term that refers to a substance that inhibits the growth of microorganisms is antiseptic. Antiseptics are used to clean and disinfect skin and wounds, preventing the proliferation of bacteria and other pathogens. They work by disrupting the cellular processes of microorganisms, making it difficult for them to survive or reproduce.

While antibiotics also inhibit the growth of microorganisms, they are more specifically used to treat infections caused by bacteria within the body, rather than for external treatment. Analgesics are pain-relieving medications that do not affect microbial growth, and antipyretics are used to reduce fever, which is a symptom of infection but not directly related to inhibiting microorganisms. Thus, antiseptics are specifically designed for the purpose of preventing infection by acting directly on microorganisms.