metronidazole

[ me-truh-nahy-duh-zohl ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a synthetic antimicrobial substance, C 6 H 9 N 3 O 3 , used chiefly in the treatment of infections, such as Trichomonas vaginalis and certain anaerobic bacterial infections.

metronidazole

/ ˌmɛtrəˈnaɪdəˌzəʊl /

noun

1. a pale yellow crystalline compound used to treat vaginal trichomoniasis. Formula: C 6 H 9 N 3 O 3

Word History and Origins

Origin of metronidazole¹

First recorded in 1960–65; contraction of 2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole part of the chemical name

Word History and Origins

Origin of metronidazole¹

C20: from me ( thyl ) + ( ni ) tro- + -n- + ( im ) id ( e ) + azole

Example Sentences

People on metronidazole must avoid consuming alcohol until at least three days after they stop the medication.

From Seattle Times

The scientists gave half the participants a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics, including neomycin, vancomycin and metronidazole.

From Nature

But there are a few medications that have no data indicating adverse effects, Dr. Baldwin said, including metronidazole, clindamycin and azelaic acid.

From New York Times

A reader reports that it works even better than metronidazole for rosacea.

From Seattle Times

The symptoms were so unpleasant that metronidazole itself was studied as a treatment for alcoholism.

From New York Times