penicillin

American  

[pen-uh-sil-in] / ˌpɛn əˈsɪl ɪn /

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.

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penicillin British  

/ 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

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penicillin Scientific  

/ pĕn′ĭ-sĭl′ĭn /

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

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penicillin Cultural  

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.

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Discover More

Penicillin was first widely used during World War II.

Etymology

Origin of penicillin

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

Compare meaning

How does penicillin compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• ampicillin vs. penicillin
• penicillin vs. amoxicillin

Example Sentences

He added: "We had this problem last year with penicillin, it's an ongoing issue but it's worsening. We've just been informed that another anti-coagulation medication, apixaban, is now going out of stock."

From BBC

Common problems that could have been treated with an office visit and a few penicillin pills will blossom into heart-valve infections and organ failure.

From MarketWatch

Which is why, a few months ago, I found myself at St Mary's Hospital in London, famous for the discovery of penicillin, preparing to receive a nerve-wracking insight into my own gut health.

From BBC

He has been raising concerns about production of everything from bombs to rare earths to penicillin, saying manufacturing is lagging behind and an investment plan is needed.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From BBC