antibiotic

The definition of antibiotic is a medicine that helps a person or animal heal from an infection by destroying or limiting harmful microorganisms.

(noun)

An example of an antibiotic is penicillin.

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See antibiotic in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. of antibiosis
  2. destroying bacteria and other microorganisms or inhibiting their growth
  3. of antibiotics

noun

any of certain chemical substances produced by various microorganisms, specif. bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes, and having the capacity, in dilute solutions, to inhibit the growth of or to destroy bacteria and other microorganisms: the antibiotics, including penicillin, streptomycin, and tetracycline, are used in the treatment of various infectious diseases

See antibiotic in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
A substance, such as penicillin or streptomycin, produced by or derived from certain fungi, bacteria, and other organisms, that can destroy or inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. Antibiotics are widely used in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
adjective
  1. Of or relating to antibiotics.
  2. Of or relating to antibiosis.
  3. Destroying life or preventing the inception or continuance of life.

Related Forms:

  • anˌti·bi·otˈi·cal·ly adverb

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