Definition

A type of antibiotic made from a specific bacterium that helps treat infections caused by certain bacteria, especially in the digestive system.

Example

The doctor prescribed colistin to treat the patient's severe gastrointestinal infection.

Conversation

Have you heard about colistin?

Yeah, I read it's used for treating some tough infections.

Exactly! It's interesting how it's effective against gram-negative bacteria.

I know, right? It's amazing what science can do.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Colistin is derived from 'col-' (from the Latin 'columba', meaning dove) and '-istin' (a suffix used in the names of antibiotics). The name reflects its origin from the bacterium *Bacillus colistinus*, which was first isolated from the intestines of a dove. Thus, colistin refers to an antibiotic derived from a specific bacterium associated with doves.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'col-' relating to 'dove' and remember that colistin is an antibiotic derived from a bacterium found in doves.

Visually Confused Words