gentamicin

noun gen·ta·mi·cin \ ˌjen-tə-ˈmī-sᵊn \

Definition of gentamicin

: a broad-spectrum antibiotic mixture derived from an actinomycete (Micromonospora purpurea or M. echinospora) and extensively used as the sulfate in treating infections (as of the urinary tract)

Origin and Etymology of gentamicin

alteration of earlier gentamycin, from gentian violet + kanamycin; from the color of the actinomycete

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1963

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

gentamicin

noun gen·ta·mi·cin \ ˌjent-ə-ˈmīs-ᵊn \

medical Definition of gentamicin

: a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic mixture that is derived from two actinomycetes of the genus Micromonospora (M. purpurea and M. echinospora) and is extensively used in the form of the sulfate in treating infections especially of the urinary tract