penicillin

[ pen-uh-sil-in ]

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.

penicillin

/ 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

penicillin

/ 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

penicillin

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.

Notes

Penicillin was first widely used during World War II .

Word History and Origins

Origin of penicillin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of penicillin¹

C20: from penicillium

Example Sentences

That blank spot was a mold—a mold that was producing the lifesaving drug penicillin.

From Slate

Rachael Evans, 37, said the lack of care given to her grandmother was "unbelievable" - including giving her penicillin despite an allergy and diagnosing her with cancer and Parkinson's disease without informing the family.

From BBC

It’s likely that rotifers evolved this incredible trick more than a million years before Alexander Fleming dabbled with “mould juice” to stumble upon penicillin.

From Slate

Dr. Endo said his career was also inspired by a biography he read of Alexander Fleming, the Scottish biologist who discovered penicillin in the 1920s.

From New York Times

Almost a century ago, the discovery of antibiotics like penicillin revolutionized medicine by harnessing the natural bacteria-killing abilities of microbes.

From Science Daily