spectinomycin

noun

spec·​ti·​no·​my·​cin ˌspek-tə-nō-ˈmī-sᵊn How to pronounce spectinomycin (audio)
: a white crystalline broad-spectrum antibiotic C14H24N2O7 produced by a bacterium (Streptomyces spectabilis) that is used clinically especially in the form of its hydrochloride to treat gonorrhea

Examples of spectinomycin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The only antibiotic the strain showed susceptibility to in the lab tests was spectinomycin, which doctors prescribed next. Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 31 May 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spectinomycin.' 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

spect- (from New Latin spectabilis, specific epithet of Streptomyces spectabilis) + actinomycin

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectinomycin was in 1964

Dictionary Entries Near spectinomycin

Cite this Entry

“Spectinomycin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectinomycin. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

spectinomycin

noun
spec·​ti·​no·​my·​cin ˌspek-tə-nō-ˈmīs-ᵊn How to pronounce spectinomycin (audio)
: a white crystalline broad-spectrum antibiotic derived from a bacterium of the genus Streptomyces (S. spectabilis) that is used clinically especially in the form of its hydrated dihydrochloride C14H24N2O7·2HCl·5H2O to treat gonorrhea

called also actinospectacin

see trobicin

More from Merriam-Webster on spectinomycin

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!