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

"Many will be unwell and require antibiotics. For those carrying this genetic variation, even a single dose of gentamicin can sometimes cause severe irreversible hearing loss," she said.

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

Mice were then administered with either PLG0206 or gentamicin, another common antibiotic.

From Salon

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

From Nature