lactam

[lak-tam]

noun

Chemistry.

1. any of a group of cyclic amides characterized by the NHCO group, derived from aminocarboxylic acids by the intramolecular elimination of water from the amino and carboxylic groups.

lactam

/ ˈlæktæm /

noun

1. chem any of a group of inner amides, derived from amino acids, having the characteristic group -CONH-

Word History and Origins

Origin of lactam¹

First recorded in 1880–85; lact(one) + am(ide)

Word History and Origins

Origin of lactam¹

C20: from _lact ( _one ) + _am ( _ide )

Example Sentences

In their study, Hölzl-Hobmeier and colleagues used axially chiral allenes that have a lactam group attached at C1.

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The common antibiotic amoxicillin is among the many drugs based on a chemical structure called a lactam.

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"An evaluation by an allergist for the penicillin and other beta lactam antibiotic allergy is important, is cost-effective and will decrease the use of other more expensive medications," said Dr. Luz Fonacier, head of the allergy section in the division of rheumatology, allergy and immunology at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, N.Y.

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As has been mentioned, chlorophyll a differs from chlorophyll b by having one more oxygen and two less hydrogen atoms in the molecule, and in having one of its nitrogen atoms in the "lactam" arrangement.

Read more on Project Gutenberg