antibiotic

[ an-ti-bahy-ot-ik, -bee-, an-tee-, -tahy- ]

noun

1. any of a large group of chemical substances, as penicillin or streptomycin, produced by various microorganisms and fungi, having the capacity in dilute solutions to inhibit the growth of or to destroy bacteria and other microorganisms, used chiefly in the treatment of infectious diseases.

adjective

1. of or involving antibiotics.

antibiotic

/ ˌæntɪbaɪˈɒtɪk /

noun

1. any of various chemical substances, such as penicillin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline, produced by various microorganisms, esp fungi, or made synthetically and capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, esp bacteria

adjective

1. of or relating to antibiotics

antibiotic

/ ăn′tĭ-bī-ŏt′ĭk /

Noun

1. A substance, such as penicillin, that is capable of destroying or weakening certain microorganisms, especially bacteria or fungi, that cause infections or infectious diseases. Antibiotics are usually produced by or synthesized from other microorganisms, such as molds. They inhibit pathogens by interfering with essential intracellular processes, including the synthesis of bacterial proteins. Antibiotics do not kill viruses and are not effective in treating viral infections.

Adjective

1. Relating to antibiotics.
2. Relating to antibiosis.

antibiotic

1. A substance that destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms and is therefore used to treat some infections . One of the most familiar antibiotics is penicillin .

Notes

Microorganisms that are initially treatable with antibiotics may evolve resistance as the more susceptible members of the population are killed off. ( See resistance to antibiotics .)

Other Words From

• anti·bi·oti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of antibiotic¹

1855–60, for an earlier sense; anti- + biotic

Example Sentences

These medications are a type of antimicrobial drug—a category that also includes antibiotics.

From Popular-Science

That’s why people who took antibiotics could, paradoxically, develop new infections after treatment.

From Nautilus

Researchers will need to study how the short-term benefits of antibiotics stack up against potential risks, she says, but such research may also lead to therapies for pregnant women who need antibiotics.

From Science News

Unlike many bacterial invaders that are thwarted by antibiotics, there aren’t many pharmaceuticals that help us beat viral infections.

From Popular-Science

He expected the California Department of Public Health to be his advocate when he alleged Palomar Vista Healthcare Center in Escondido had failed to deliver adequate antibiotic treatments for an infection that left him at risk.

From Voice of San Diego

In the future, antibiotic resistance could have catastrophic consequences.

From The Daily Beast

A fair number explicitly ask for an antibiotic, to cover the possibility that it is “bronchitis” or a “sinus infection.”

From The Daily Beast

A plague outbreak in Madagascar has killed 40 people so far, and due to antibiotic resistance, it could kill many more.

From The Daily Beast

The report also noted that “the inherent risks of long-term antibiotic therapy were not justified by clinical benefit.”

From The Daily Beast

Reeve passed away after experiencing an adverse reaction to an antibiotic on Oct. 10, 2004.

From The Daily Beast

But the discovery of what substance should be added to what antibiotic was largely one of trial and error.

From Project Gutenberg

I sat back while he pondered and watched the Quack, who was swallowing another antibiotic capsule.

From Project Gutenberg

I wondered often what could have been in that stuff to make it such a powerful antibiotic.

From Project Gutenberg

The books started with the specifications for antibiotic growth equipment for colonies with problems in local bacteria.

From Project Gutenberg

The administration of certain antibiotic drugs has produced cockroaches very nearly free of bacteroids.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• penicillin