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antibiotic

Pronunciation: /ˌantɪbʌɪˈɒtɪk/

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Definition of antibiotic

noun

a medicine (such as penicillin or its derivatives) that inhibits the growth of or destroys microorganisms: course of antibiotics [mass noun]:an injection of antibiotic

adjective

relating to antibiotics: a prolonged course of antibiotic therapy

Origin:

mid 19th century (in the sense 'doubting the possibility of life in a particular environment'): from anti- + Greek biōtikos 'fit for life' (from bios 'life')