Meaning & Definition of word "Antibiotic"

Antibiotic

/ˌæntɪbaɪˈɒtɪk/

1. A substance used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria and treat infections.
- Example: The doctor prescribed an antibiotic to treat my bacterial infection.
2. Any of a large group of chemical substances produced by a variety of microorganisms and used in the treatment of infectious diseases.
- Example: Penicillin is one of the first antibiotics ever discovered.
3. A type of medication that can help fight infections caused by certain bacteria.
- Example: After taking the antibiotic for a week, my symptoms significantly improved.

1. Relating to or denoting substances that can kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
- Example: The patient received antibiotic treatment after the surgery to prevent infection.
2. Referring to a specific class of drugs that are effective against bacteria.
- Example: Antibiotic resistance has become a serious concern in modern medicine.

From the Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against' and 'bio-', meaning 'life'.

broad-spectrum antibiotic:

An antibiotic effective against a wide range of bacteria.

narrow-spectrum antibiotic:

An antibiotic effective against a specific group of bacteria.

antibiotic resistance:

The capacity of bacteria to resist the effects of an antibiotic.

antimicrobial:

A substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms.

bacteriostatic:

An agent that inhibits bacterial growth without killing them.

fungicide:

A substance that kills fungi.

Meaning: A shorthand term for antibiotics among healthcare professionals.

Example Sentence: The doc put me on some 'biotics' for the infection.

Meaning: Casual reference to any medication taken to treat infections, particularly antibiotics.

Example Sentence: I need to get some biotics to clear up this cold.