gentamicin

American  

[jen-tuh-mahy-sin] / ˌdʒɛn təˈmaɪ sɪn /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a highly toxic broad-spectrum antibiotic mixture of related aminoglycoside substances derived from the actinomycete bacterium Micromonospora purpurea, used in its sulfate form in the treatment of severe Gram-negative infections.

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gentamicin British  

/ ˌdʒɛntəˈmaɪsɪn /

noun

1. a broad-spectrum antibiotic used in the treatment of serious infections

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Etymology

Origin of gentamicin

First recorded in 1960–65; respelling of gentamycin, probably equivalent to gent(ian violet), so called from the color of the source bacterium + -a- (as in kanamycin ) + -mycin; gentian violet, -mycin

Example Sentences

The test, which involves taking a gentle cheek swab, can determine whether a critically ill baby has a single gene change that could cause permanent hearing loss if they are treated with gentamicin.

From BBC

Another antibiotic, gentamicin, was found likely to be effective in treating fewer than half of all sepsis and meningitis cases in children.

From Science Daily

A second facility recorded above average levels of antimicrobial resistance to gentamicin, putting residents' health at risk.

From Science Daily

In most of the mice treated with PLG0206, even a low dose rendered E. coli cultures almost undetectable, around the same levels as the gentamicin group.

From Salon

The antibiotic drug gentamicin is known to modestly increase read-through, but it is too toxic for long-term use.

From Nature