SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

amphotericin B

noun am·pho·ter·i·cin B \ ˌam(p)-fə-ˈter-ə-sən-ˈbē \

Updated on: 28 Feb 2018

Definition of amphotericin B

: an antibiotic that is obtained from a soil streptomycete (Streptomyces nodosus) and is administered typically by intravenous injection chiefly to treat serious, potentially life-threatening, systemic fungal infections

Origin and Etymology of amphotericin b

amphoteric + ¹-in

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1955

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

amphotericin B

noun

medical Definition of amphotericin B

: an amphotericin that is typically administered by intravenous injection chiefly to treat serious, potentially life-threatening, systemic fungal infections

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up amphotericin B? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

cathexis

play

investment of mental or emotional energy

BROWSE DICTIONARY

amphoriskos

amphoteric

amphotericin B

amphoterite

amphoterotoky

Test Your Vocabulary

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

alt-5ade0f1ca7a0c

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

The distinction is clear (now).

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

alt-5ada140ed3e28

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

alt-5ad8fc71357ed

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

No, it's not a coiffure trend

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

video-literally

Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

video-his-or-her

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

Take the quiz

cats-on-impossible-timber

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz

Name That Thing

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

Take the quiz

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® Sprint

SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!

Play the game