Main Entry:

strep·to·my·cin

Pronunciation:

\-ˈmī-s^ən\

Function:

noun

Date:

1944

: an antibiotic organic base C₂₁H₃₉N₇O₁₂ that is produced by a soil actinomycete (Streptomyces griseus), is active against many bacteria, and is used especially in the treatment of infections (as tuberculosis) by gram-negative bacteria