antibiotic

[ an-ti-bahy-ot-ik, -bee-, an-tee-, -tahy- ]

noun

1. any of a large group of chemical substances, as penicillin or streptomycin, produced by various microorganisms and fungi, having the capacity in dilute solutions to inhibit the growth of or to destroy bacteria and other microorganisms, used chiefly in the treatment of infectious diseases.

adjective

1. of or involving antibiotics.

antibiotic

/ ˌæntɪbaɪˈɒtɪk /

noun

1. any of various chemical substances, such as penicillin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline, produced by various microorganisms, esp fungi, or made synthetically and capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, esp bacteria

adjective

1. of or relating to antibiotics

antibiotic

/ ăn′tĭ-bī-ŏt′ĭk /

Noun

1. A substance, such as penicillin, that is capable of destroying or weakening certain microorganisms, especially bacteria or fungi, that cause infections or infectious diseases. Antibiotics are usually produced by or synthesized from other microorganisms, such as molds. They inhibit pathogens by interfering with essential intracellular processes, including the synthesis of bacterial proteins. Antibiotics do not kill viruses and are not effective in treating viral infections.

Adjective

1. Relating to antibiotics.
2. Relating to antibiosis.

antibiotic

1. A substance that destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms and is therefore used to treat some infections . One of the most familiar antibiotics is penicillin .

Notes

Microorganisms that are initially treatable with antibiotics may evolve resistance as the more susceptible members of the population are killed off. ( See resistance to antibiotics .)

Other Words From

• anti·bi·oti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of antibiotic¹

1855–60, for an earlier sense; anti- + biotic

Example Sentences

Delivering therapies that directly target the bug or its toxins could potentially replace the need for antibiotics that also harm beneficial gut microbes.

From Science Daily

Plus, the West had antibiotics — which spread willy-nilly not just in medications, but in toothpaste, lipstick and, perhaps most dangerously, into farm animals to promote growth.

From Salon

With an upper hand over other bacteria lacking similar antibiotic resistance, such bacteria should become dominant.

From Science Daily

The father of two was given new medication, but the coroner found there had been "undertreatment" with antibiotics which were not enough to kill off bacteria in a clot on his heart.

From BBC

While TB can be treated with antibiotics, it can be fatal if left untreated.

From BBC

Related Words

• penicillin