Definition

A type of antibiotic that comes from a specific type of bacteria and is effective against various bacteria and some fungi.

Example

Streptothricin is used in medicine to treat infections caused by certain bacteria.

Conversation

Have you heard about streptothricin?

No, what is it?

It's an antibiotic that's effective against various bacteria and some fungi.

That sounds interesting! I wonder how it compares to other antibiotics.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Streptothricin → It is formed from 'strepto-' (from Greek 'streptos', meaning twisted) and 'thricin' (from Greek 'thrix', meaning hair). The word refers to a twisted or filamentous structure resembling hair, which is characteristic of the bacteria from which it is derived.

Memory Tip

Imagine something that is 'twisted' ('strepto-') and looks like 'hair' ('thrix') — this helps you remember that streptothricin is related to a twisted, hair-like structure.

Visually Confused Words