Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

antibiotic

noun
/ˌænti.baɪˈɒtɪk/
Definition
A type of medicine that helps to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Examples
  • Doctors often prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections like strep throat.
  • Overusing antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance.
  • Some common antibiotics include penicillin and amoxicillin.
Meaning
Antibiotics work by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth, making them effective for a variety of bacterial infections.
Synonyms
  • antibacterial
  • antimicrobial
  • germicidal