gentamicin

[ jen-tuh-mahy-sin ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a highly toxic broad-spectrum antibiotic mixture of related aminoglycoside substances derived from the actinomycete bacterium Micromonospora purpurea, used in its sulfate form in the treatment of severe Gram-negative infections.

gentamicin

/ ˌdʒɛntəˈmaɪsɪn /

noun

1. a broad-spectrum antibiotic used in the treatment of serious infections

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentamicin¹

First recorded in 1960–65; respelling of gentamycin, probably equivalent to gent(ian violet), so called from the color of the source bacterium + -a- (as in kanamycin ) + -mycin; gentian violet, -mycin

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentamicin¹

C20: from genta (of unknown origin) + -mycin

Example Sentences

For some babies a single dose of the antibiotic gentamicin can sometimes cause severe irreversible hearing loss.

From BBC

Another antibiotic, gentamicin, was found likely to be effective in treating fewer than half of all sepsis and meningitis cases in children.

From Science Daily

A second facility recorded above average levels of antimicrobial resistance to gentamicin, putting residents' health at risk.

From Science Daily

Mice were then administered with either PLG0206 or gentamicin, another common antibiotic.

From Salon

The antibiotic drug gentamicin is known to modestly increase read-through, but it is too toxic for long-term use.

From Nature