Antibiotic: Definition, Uses, and Examples

Meaning 1：antibacterial drug (antibiotic)

antibiotic 🔊

/ˌæntaɪbaɪˈɑːtɪk/

It is a medicine that kills or stops the growth of bacteria that cause infections.

Antibiotic pills and prescription on doctor's desk

antibacterial drug 🔊

➕

/ˌæntibækˈtɪriəl drʌɡ/

A substance derived from a mold or bacterium that inhibits the growth of or destroys bacteria, used to treat infectious diseases.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Anti- (against) + bios (life) + -ic = against life.

💡 Mnemonic

An anti-biotic fights against (anti) living organisms (biotic) that make you sick.

📖 Example

The doctor prescribed an antibiotic to treat my throat infection. 🔊 The doctor prescribed a bacteria-killing medicine to treat my throat infection.

🔗 Collocations

take an antibiotic – consume an antibiotic medication

prescribe antibiotics – order the use of antibiotics for treatment

antibiotic resistance – the ability of bacteria to withstand the effects of an antibiotic

🔄 Synonyms

antimicrobial (n.) – A substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria.

antibacterial (n.) – A drug that specifically targets and kills bacteria.

bactericide (n.) – An agent that kills bacteria.

🌱 Derivatives

antibiotically (adv.) – In a manner relating to antibiotics or their effect.

📖 Cultural Story

Coined in the 19th century from Greek roots. The term gained prominence after Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin in 1928, which revolutionized bacterial infection treatment.