Definition

A medicine used to treat tuberculosis, often combined with other drugs to help fight the infection.

Example

The doctor prescribed ethambutol as part of the treatment plan for the patient's tuberculosis.

Conversation

Have you heard about ethambutol?

Yeah, I think it's used to treat tuberculosis, right?

Exactly! It's often combined with other medications for better results.

That makes sense; it's good to know there's effective treatment available.

Root Explanation

Ethambutol is a synthetic compound, and its name is derived from the components 'ethyl' (from 'ethanol', meaning a two-carbon alcohol) and 'butanol' (a four-carbon alcohol). The word 'ethambutol' refers to a drug that contains these alcohol components, specifically used in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Memory Tip

Think of 'ethyl' as a two-carbon alcohol and 'butanol' as a four-carbon alcohol, which together form a compound used to treat tuberculosis.

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