Definition

A type of antibiotic that is made by certain bacteria, especially those from the Escherichia coli group, and is used to kill or inhibit the growth of other bacteria.

Example

Colicine is effective against some strains of bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of colicine?

Yeah, I think it's an antibiotic made by certain bacteria.

Right! It's interesting how nature provides us with such solutions.

Definitely! I read it can be effective against some infections.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Colicine is derived from 'coli' (from Latin 'colis', meaning of the colon or intestinal) and the suffix '-cine' (from Latin 'cinus', meaning related to or pertaining to). The word refers to a substance related to the colon or intestinal bacteria, specifically a type of bacteriocin produced by E. coli bacteria.

Memory Tip

Think of 'coli' relating to the colon and '-cine' meaning pertaining to something. This helps you remember that colicine is related to substances produced by intestinal bacteria.

Visually Confused Words