Main Entry: ri·fam·pin

Pronunciation: \rī-ˈfam-pən\

Variant(s): or ri·fam·pi·cin \rī-ˈfam-pə-sən\

Function: noun

Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary, alteration of rifamycin, antibiotic derived from Streptomyces mediterranei

Date: 1966

: a semisynthetic antibiotic C₄₃H₅₈N₄O₁₂ used especially in the treatment of tuberculosis and to treat asymptomatic carriers of meningococci