Definition

A type of antibiotic that is used to treat serious infections caused by certain bacteria, especially those that are resistant to other antibiotics.

Example

The doctor prescribed vancomycin to treat the patient's severe infection.

Conversation

Have you heard about vancomycin?

Yeah, I think it's an antibiotic, right?

Exactly! It's really effective against certain bacteria.

I read it's often used when other antibiotics don't work.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Vancomycin is derived from 'vancomycin' (a name created from 'vancomycin' itself, which is a combination of 'vancomycin' and the suffix '-cin' indicating a substance). The name 'vancomycin' is based on the word 'vanquish' (meaning to overcome or defeat) and 'mycin' (a suffix used in antibiotics derived from microorganisms). It refers to the antibiotic's ability to overcome bacterial infections.

Memory Tip

Think of 'vanquish' to remember that vancomycin is an antibiotic that helps to defeat bacterial infections.

Visually Confused Words