spectinomycin

[ spek-tuh-noh-mahy-sin ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. an antibiotic drug, C 1 4 H 2 4 N 2 O 7 , produced by the actinomycete Streptomyces spectabilis, used in the treatment of susceptible gonorrhea.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spectinomycin¹

1960–65; blend of New Latin spectabilis a specific epithet (literally, visible; spectacle, -able ) and actinomycin