Definition

A type of antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacteria and is derived from a specific type of soil bacterium.

Example

The doctor prescribed kanamycin to treat the patient's bacterial infection.

Conversation

Have you heard about kanamycin?

Yeah, it's that antibiotic, right?

Exactly! I read it's really effective against certain infections.

I wonder if it's commonly used in hospitals.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Kanamycin is derived from 'kanamycins' (a group of antibiotics) which is named after the bacterium *Micromonospora purpurea* from which it was originally isolated. The name itself does not have a clear Latin or Greek root but is a modern scientific term based on the name of the organism.

Memory Tip

Think of 'kanamycin' as a name derived from a specific bacterium, which helps you remember that it is an antibiotic sourced from that organism.

Visually Confused Words