penicillin

[pen-uh-sil-in]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. any of several antibiotics of low toxicity, produced naturally by molds of the genus Penicillium and also semisynthetically, having a bactericidal action on many susceptible Gram-positive or Gram-negative cocci and bacilli, some also being effective against certain spirochetes.

penicillin

/ ˌpɛnɪˈsɪlɪn /

noun

1. any of a group of antibiotics with powerful bactericidal action, used to treat many types of infections, including pneumonia, gonorrhoea, and infections caused by streptococci and staphylococci: originally obtained from the fungus Penicillium, esp P. notatum. Formula: R-C 9 H 11 N 2 O 4 S where R is one of several side chains

penicillin

1. An antibiotic drug obtained from molds of the genus Penicillium and used to treat or prevent various infections caused by gram-positive bacteria such as streptococcus. Penicillin was the first of a class of antibiotics (whose names end in –icillin) that are derived from it and are active against a broader spectrum of bacteria.

2. See Note at Alexander Fleming

penicillin

1. An antibiotic that is used to treat infections caused by some kinds of bacteria. Penicillin, which is derived from a common kind of mold that grows on bread and fruit, was the first antibiotic discovered and put into widespread use.

Penicillin was first widely used during World War II.

Word History and Origins

Origin of penicillin¹

First recorded in 1925–30; penicill(ium) + -in ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of penicillin¹

C20: from _penicillium

Example Sentences

The Fleming Initiative is named after Alexander Fleming, who discovered penicillin in 1928 and started the antibiotic age.

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The modern world has been transformed by inventions from the electric motor to penicillin.

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We learn, for example, that there’s far more to the penicillin story than the casual history of Alexander Fleming’s eureka moment.

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Winston Churchill's push to obtain penicillin in time to treat casualties expected from D-Day has come to light in documents seen by BBC News.

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Between the traditional cottages and smattering of shops on the main street, a giant, technicolour mural of Sir Alexander Fleming, the man who discovered penicillin, now looks out over the town.

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