gentamicin

[jen-tuh-mahy-sin]

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.

gentamicin

/ ˌdʒɛntəˈmaɪsɪn /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentamicin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentamicin¹

C20: from genta (of unknown origin) + _-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.

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

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

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

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

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