penicillin
[ pen-uh-sil-in ]
/ ˌpɛn əˈsɪl ɪn /
noun Pharmacology.
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.
Origin of penicillin
First recorded in 1925–30;
penicill(ium) +
-in2
Words nearby penicillin
penholder,
penhsi,
penicil,
penicillamine,
penicillate,
penicillin,
penicillin g,
penicillin v,
penicillinase,
penicillium,
penicillus
Example sentences from the Web for penicillin
British Dictionary definitions for penicillin
penicillin
/ (ˌpɛnɪˈsɪlɪn) /
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
Word Origin for penicillin
C20: from
penicillium
Medical definitions for penicillin
penicillin
[ pĕn′ĭ-sĭl′ĭn ]
n.
Any of a group of broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs obtained from penicillium molds or produced synthetically, most active against gram-positive bacteria and used in the treatment of various infections and diseases.
Scientific definitions for penicillin
penicillin
[ pĕn′ĭ-sĭl′ĭn ]
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. See Note at Alexander Fleming.
Cultural definitions for penicillin
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 for penicillin
Penicillin was first widely used during
World War II.