: any of a group of related basic antibiotics produced by a streptomyces (Streptomyces lavendulae) and active especially against bacteria

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Streptothric-, Streptothrix, genus of bacteria, from strepto- + Greek trich-, thrix hair

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of streptothricin was in 1926

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Streptothricin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/streptothricin. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

: a basic antibiotic C19H34N8O8 that is produced by a soil actinomycete of the genus Streptomyces (S. lavendulae) and is active especially against bacteria
also : any of several related antibiotics
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