antibiotic

USan-ty-by-AH-tik/ˌæn.taɪ.baɪˈɑ.tɪk/UKan-tee-by-OT-ik/ˌæn.ti.baɪˈɒt.ɪk/

3 meanings of antibiotic

1
nouncountable
A medicine that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
Like a spray that kills weeds, except it kills harmful bacteria instead.
The doctor gave her an antibiotic to clear up the infection.
Some antibiotics only work against certain kinds of bacteria.
Similarantibacterial
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2
adjective
Having to do with medicines that kill bacteria.
The cream has antibiotic properties that fight infection.
Doctors worry about antibiotic resistance in many hospitals.
Similarantibacterial, antimicrobial
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3
adjectiveobsolete
Relating to the old idea that no life exists anywhere beyond Earth.
Note

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This word came from the French word antibiotique. It is made from anti- plus -biotic.