bacitracin

noun

bac·i·tra·cin ˌba-sə-ˈtrā-sᵊn

: a polypeptide antibiotic isolated from a bacillus (Bacillus subtilis or B. licheniformis) and usually used topically especially against gram-positive bacteria

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Apply a thin layer of an antiseptic ointment, such as bacitracin, under the dressing. —

Paul Auerbach, Outside Online, 9 Apr. 2012 The bills in our database show that one hospital in Tennessee charged a patient a pretty reasonable $1 for bacitracin — while another hospital in Seattle charged $76 for the exact same ointment. —

Sarah Kliff, Vox, 18 Dec. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bacitracin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Bacillus subtilis (species of bacillus producing the toxin) + Margaret Tracy born about 1936 American child in whose tissues it was found

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of bacitracin was in 1945

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bacitracin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bacitracin. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

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Medical Definition

bacitracin

noun

bac·i·tra·cin ˌbas-ə-ˈtrās-ᵊn

: a polypeptide antibiotic isolated from a bacillus (Bacillus subtilis or B. licheniformis) and usually used topically especially against gram-positive bacteria