Definition

A type of antibiotic that is used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria, particularly those that are resistant to other types of penicillin.

Example

The doctor prescribed oxacillin to treat the patient's staph infection.

Conversation

Have you heard about oxacillin?

Yeah, it’s that antibiotic used for resistant infections, right?

Exactly! It's especially effective against staph infections.

I read that it's a good option when other antibiotics fail.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Oxacillin is formed from "oxa-" (a prefix derived from the Greek word 'oxys', meaning sharp or acid) and "cillin" (from penicillin, which is derived from the Latin 'penicillium', meaning a type of mold). The word refers to a type of antibiotic that is a derivative of penicillin, specifically modified to be effective against certain bacteria.

Memory Tip

Think of 'oxa-' meaning sharp or acid, which helps you remember that oxacillin is a sharp or effective antibiotic derived from penicillin.

Visually Confused Words