Final answer:
The term for the clear area around the antibiotic disc in a disk diffusion test where microbes did not grow is called the zone of inhibition. Its size can vary depending on factors such as the effectiveness of the antibiotic and the susceptibility of the bacteria to the drug.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for the clear area around the antibiotic disc in a disk diffusion test where microbes did not grow is called the zone of inhibition.
When the antibiotic diffuses into the medium and inhibits bacterial growth, a clear area forms around the disc. The size of the zone of inhibition can vary depending on factors such as the effectiveness of the antibiotic and the susceptibility of the bacteria to the drug.
For example, a more effective antibiotic will generally have a larger zone of inhibition compared to a less effective one.