anisomycin

noun

an·​iso·​my·​cin ¦a-ˌnī-sə-¦mī-sᵊn 

a-¦nī-

: a white crystalline antibiotic C₁₄H₁₉NO₄ obtained from a soil streptomycete (Streptomyces griseolus) that inhibits protein synthesis, is effective against certain pathogenic protozoans and fungi, and is used especially in laboratory research

The application of various inhibitors of protein synthesis such as anisomycin and cycloheximide disrupts long-term memory formation, while it leaves short-term memory almost intact.

—Satoru Otani and Yehezkel Ben-Ari, International Review of Neurobiology, Volume 35, 1993

Word History

Etymology

probably from anisoyl, alternate name for methoxybenzoyl, a chemical component of the antibiotic (from anis(ic acid) + -oyl, in benzoyl) + -mycin

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now