Definition

A medication used to treat infections caused by parasites, including certain types of worms and insects.

Example

The doctor prescribed ivermectin to help treat the patient's parasitic infection.

Conversation

Have you heard about ivermectin?

Yeah, I read it can be used for treating certain infections.

It's interesting how it works against parasites, right?

Absolutely! I think it's fascinating how some medications have such broad applications.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ivermectin is derived from 'ivermectin' (a name created from 'ivermectin' itself, which is a semi-synthetic derivative of avermectin, a compound produced by the bacterium *Streptomyces avermitilis*). The name 'avermectin' comes from 'aver-' (from 'avermectin', meaning to be free from parasites) and '-mectin' (from 'mectins', a class of compounds). The word refers to a drug used to treat parasitic infections.

Memory Tip

Think of 'aver-' meaning to be free from parasites, and '-mectin' as a class of compounds that help achieve that. This helps you remember that ivermectin is a medication designed to free the body from parasitic infections.

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