51Թ

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View synonyms for

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

/ ˌæԳɪɪˈɒɪ /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. of or relating to antibiotics
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

antibiotic

/ ă′tĭ-ī-ŏĭ /

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 .
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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 .)
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • t··dzi·· adverb
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of antibiotic1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

One month since Israel closed all crossings to Gaza for goods, all UN-supported bakeries have closed, markets are empty of most fresh vegetables and hospitals are rationing painkillers and antibiotics.

From

I spent eight days in hospital on an antibiotic drip.

From

“I got painkillers and antibiotics. It was an emotional roller-coaster in general, not knowing what was going on and having moments of flashbacks.”

From

Dr Mark Perlmutter says that doctors have had to work in operating rooms without soap, antibiotics or x-ray facilities, as Israel has resumed its offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

From

Children received major operations, including after their legs, crushed when their homes were bombed, had to be amputated to save their lives — often without painkillers or antibiotics.

From

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