What does streptomycin mean?
Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic originally derived from the bacterium Streptomyces griseus. It became especially important in the treatment of tuberculosis and was also used against a range of other serious bacterial infections. The drug works by interfering with bacterial protein production, making it effective against susceptible organisms but also capable of causing significant side effects, particularly hearing loss, balance problems, and kidney injury. Because resistance can emerge rapidly, streptomycin has largely been replaced in ordinary practice by safer or more effective combination therapies. Nevertheless, it remains a notable drug in the history of medicine: it helped establish the importance of antibiotics in controlling infectious disease and influenced later research into aminoglycosides. In modern writing, the word is most often encountered in historical, pharmaceutical, or microbiology contexts rather than in everyday language.
nounAn aminoglycoside antibiotic obtained from the bacterium Streptomyces griseus and used to treat serious bacterial infections, particularly tuberculosis. It is often used in combination with other antibiotics because bacterial resistance can develop quickly.
- An aminoglycoside antibiotic used against certain susceptible bacterial infections.
"The doctor prescribed streptomycin alongside other antibiotics to treat the patient's tuberculosis."
"Laboratory testing confirmed that the infection was susceptible to streptomycin."
"The medication contains a carefully calibrated dose of streptomycin."
Usually used in the plural when referring to different formulations, doses, or instances of the drug.
"The researchers compared the effectiveness of several streptomycins against resistant bacterial strains."
Streptomycin takes its name from the bacterium that produces it—and from the streptococcus bacteria that helped inspire its discovery.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of streptomycin
The name combines elements referring to the organism from which the drug was isolated. Streptomyces is derived from Greek streptos, meaning “twisted,” and mykes, meaning “fungus,” reflecting the twisted branching structure of the organism’s filaments. The suffix -mycin was used for substances derived from microorganisms, and streptomycin was named for its association with Streptomyces griseus. Its name also echoes the related bacterial name streptococcus, although the two organisms are distinct.
How streptomycin is actually used
Streptomycin is a specialized, largely obsolete term in many clinical settings, though it remains historically important and is still encountered in discussions of tuberculosis, antibiotic resistance, and microbiological research. Its use is limited by toxic effects, including damage to hearing and balance and effects on the kidneys.