Antibiotics are a class of drugs that are used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria, which can cause a range of illnesses and diseases. Antibiotics have been a crucial tool in modern medicine, but their overuse and misuse have led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is a growing public health concern.
Definitions
An antibiotic is a substance produced by a microorganism that inhibits the growth of other microorganisms or kills them outright. It is a type of antimicrobial agent that is used to treat bacterial infections.
Origin
The term “antibiotic” was first used in 1942 by Selman Waksman, a microbiologist who discovered streptomycin, the first antibiotic to be used in the treatment of tuberculosis. The word “antibiotic” comes from the Greek words “anti” meaning “against” and “bios” meaning “life.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an antibiotic is “a substance produced by or a semisynthetic substance derived from a microorganism and able in dilute solution to inhibit or kill another microorganism.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines an antibiotic as “a medicine that inhibits the growth of or destroys microorganisms.”
Associations
Antibiotics are often associated with the treatment of bacterial infections, but they can also be used to prevent infections in certain situations, such as before surgery or in people with weakened immune systems. Antibiotics are also associated with the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is a growing public health concern.
Synonyms
Synonyms for antibiotic include antimicrobial, antibacterial, and bactericide.
Antonyms
Antonyms for antibiotic include prokaryotic, viral, and fungal.
The same root words
The root word for antibiotic is “anti,” which means “against.” Other words that share this root include antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic.
Example Sentences
- The doctor prescribed an antibiotic to treat the patient’s bacterial infection.
- Overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Some people are allergic to certain types of antibiotics.
- The development of new antibiotics is important in the fight against bacterial infections.
- Antibiotics should only be used when necessary and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.