cephalosporin

noun

ceph·​a·​lo·​spo·​rin ˌse-fə-lə-ˈspȯr-ən How to pronounce cephalosporin (audio)
: any of several antibiotics produced by an imperfect fungus (genus Acremonium synonym Cephalosporium)

Examples of cephalosporin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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All three cases had a distinct genetic mutation that made the bacteria resistant to yet another class of antibiotics, the cephalosporins, which are often used to treat Shigella infections when other drugs fail. Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024 This interaction is most noticeable with a group of antibiotics called cephalosporins, which include Keflex (cephalexin) and Omnicef (cefdinir). Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 8 Dec. 2024 In general, penicillins and cephalosporins are considered safe during pregnancy. Erika Prouty, Verywell Health, 4 Oct. 2024 Examples of interacting antibiotics include quinolones (such as ciprofloxacin), tetracyclines, and cephalosporins (like Keflex). Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 22 Sep. 2024 The cephalosporin ceftriaxone is the last drug standing in the US to treat gonorrhea infections. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 28 Mar. 2024 In 2010, the CDC updated the treatment again, recommending that doctors combine cephalosporins with one of two other types of antibiotics—azithromycin or doxycycline—to try to thwart the development of resistance. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 28 Mar. 2024 Resistance rising By 2007, the agency switched to cephalosporins, including cefixime. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 28 Mar. 2024 When taken with cephalosporin antibiotics, the body’s ability to absorb vitamin K is reduced. Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Cephalosporium, genus of fungi + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cephalosporin was in 1951

Dictionary Entries Near cephalosporin

Cite this Entry

“Cephalosporin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cephalosporin. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

cephalosporin

noun
ceph·​a·​lo·​spo·​rin ˌsef-ə-lə-ˈspōr-ən, -ˈspȯr- How to pronounce cephalosporin (audio)
: any of several beta-lactam antibiotics produced by an imperfect fungus of the genus Acremonium or made semisynthetically

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