penicillin
UK: ˌpenɪˈsɪlɪn | US: ˌpenɪˈsɪlɪn
n. an antibiotic compound derived from mold, used to treat bacterial infections.
penicill<small brush> + in<chemical suffix>
- penicill: From Latin penicillus ("small brush"), referring to the brush-like appearance of the mold's filaments.
- in: A suffix used in chemistry to form names of substances (e.g., protein, insulin).
Etymology Origin:
The word penicillin originates from the Latin penicillus ("small brush"), inspired by the microscopic, brush-like structure of the Penicillium mold observed by Alexander Fleming. The suffix -in standardizes it as a biochemical compound. The name reflects both the visual characteristics of the mold and its scientific classification.
Penicillin revolutionized medicine by effectively treating bacterial infections.
The discovery of penicillin was accidental but groundbreaking.
Some patients are allergic to penicillin and require alternative antibiotics.
The mold Penicillium chrysogenum is a key source of penicillin.
Overuse of penicillin has led to antibiotic resistance in some bacteria.