Meaning & Definition of word "Sulfa"
Sulfa
/ˈsʌl.fə/
noun:
- 1. A type of antibiotic that contains sulfonamide, used to treat bacterial infections.
- Example: The doctor prescribed a sulfa medication to help combat the patient's infection.
- 2. Short for sulfonamide, a class of compounds used in medicines.
- Example: Sulfa drugs were among the first antibiotics developed in the 1930s.
- 3. A drug containing sulfanilamide or related compounds that inhibit bacterial growth.
- Example: Some patients may be allergic to sulfa drugs, requiring alternative treatments.
Etymology
●Derived from the word sulfanilamide, named for its sulfonamide group.
Common Phrases and Expressions
sulfa allergy:
An allergic reaction to sulfa drugs.
sulfa drug therapy:
The use of sulfa antibiotics to treat infections.
sulfa sensitivity:
A condition where a person has adverse reactions to sulfa medications.
Related Words
sulfanilamide:
A sulfa drug originally used to treat bacterial infections.
antibiotic:
A medication used to treat bacterial infections.
sulfonamide:
A group of compounds that include sulfa drugs.
Slang Meanings of sulfa
Meaning: Short for sulfonamide antibiotics.
● Example Sentence: I've got a script for some sulfa to kick this infection.
Meaning: Colloquially referring to older antibiotics.
● Example Sentence: When I was a kid, the doctors would just give you sulfa for everything.