Penicillin Definition

pĕnĭ-sĭlĭn
noun
Any of a group of isomeric, antibiotic compounds with the general formula C9H11N2O4SR, obtained from the filtrates of certain molds (esp., Penicillium notatum and P. chrysogenum) or produced synthetically.
Webster's New World
Any of a group of broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs, synthetic or semisynthetic, that are derived from penicillin.
American Heritage Medicine

Other Word Forms of Penicillin

Noun

Singular:
penicillin
Plural:
penicillins

Origin of Penicillin

  • Coined by Alexander Fleming after New Latin Penicillium notatum (now Penicillium chrysogenum), a fungus from which penicillin is obtained.

    From Wiktionary

  • penicill(ium) –in

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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