Final answer:
Bacteriostasis refers to thea) inhibition of bacterial growth without killing the bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'bacteriostasis' refers to the inhibition of bacterial growth in the field of microbiology. It is a condition in which the growth of bacteria is stopped or slowed down, but the bacteria are not killed. Bacteriostatic methods can include the use of chemical or physical treatments that interfere with bacterial growth, such as antibiotics or refrigeration.