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penicillin
[ pen-uh-sil-in ]
noun
- 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
/ ˌɛɪˈɪɪ /
noun
- 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
- 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 –i ) that are derived from it and are active against a broader spectrum of bacteria.
- See Note at Alexander Fleming
penicillin
- 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
Word History and Origins
Origin of penicillin1
Word History and Origins
Origin of penicillin1
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Example Sentences
Between the traditional cottages and smattering of shops on the main street, a giant, technicolour mural of Sir Alexander Fleming, the man who discovered penicillin, now looks out over the town.
“A number of efforts were put forward to get people diagnosed early and get people connected and treated with penicillin as soon as they were diagnosed.”
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.
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.
Almost a century ago, the discovery of antibiotics like penicillin revolutionized medicine by harnessing the natural bacteria-killing abilities of microbes.
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