doxorubicin

[ dok-suh-roo-buh-sin ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a cytotoxic antibiotic, C 27 H 29 NO 11 , derived from a variety of the bacterium Streptomyces peucetius and used in the treatment of sarcoma, malignant lymphoma, acute leukemia, and other cancers: administered intravenously, it is noted for its bright red color and potentially dangerous side effects.

Word History and Origins

Origin of doxorubicin¹

First recorded in 1970–75; d(e)ox(y)- + -o- + Latin rub(er) “red” (alluding to its color; rubric, red ¹ ) + -i- + -(my)cin