antibiotic
|an/ti/bi/ot/ic|
🇺🇸
/ˌæntɪbaɪˈɑːtɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌæntɪbaɪˈɒtɪk/
bacteria-killing
Etymology
'antibiotic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'antibios,' where 'anti-' meant 'against' and 'bios' meant 'life.'
'antibios' transformed into the modern English word 'antibiotic' through scientific terminology.
Initially, it meant 'against life,' referring to its ability to kill bacteria, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance used to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria and treat infections.
The doctor prescribed an antibiotic to treat the infection.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or involving antibiotics.
Antibiotic treatment is necessary for bacterial infections.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/27 10:01