What does penicillin mean?
Penicillin is a type of antibiotic produced by certain species of mold, used to treat bacterial infections. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and is commonly used to treat a range of infections, including pneumonia, strep throat, and skin infections. The discovery of penicillin revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections and has saved countless lives. Penicillin is available in various forms, including injections, tablets, and capsules, and is often prescribed by doctors to treat bacterial infections. Its effectiveness and widespread use have made it a crucial part of modern medicine.
nounA type of antibiotic produced by certain species of mold, used to treat bacterial infections. Penicillin works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
- A type of antibiotic
- A medicine used to treat bacterial infections
"The doctor prescribed penicillin to treat the patient's pneumonia."
"The discovery of penicillin revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections."
"Penicillin is often used to treat strep throat."
Used to refer to different types of penicillin or multiple instances of the antibiotic.
"The hospital stocked several types of penicillins for treating various infections."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of penicillin
The word 'penicillin' comes from the Latin 'penicillus', meaning 'brush', which refers to the brush-like appearance of the mold that produces it. The term was first used in the 1940s to describe the antibiotic produced by the mold Penicillium. The discovery of penicillin is attributed to Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming in 1928.
Usage notes
Formal and informal usage; commonly used in medical and everyday contexts.