bacitracin

noun

bac·​i·​tra·​cin ˌba-sə-ˈtrā-sᵊn 

: a polypeptide antibiotic isolated from a bacillus (Bacillus subtilis or B. licheniformis) and usually used topically especially against gram-positive bacteria

Examples of bacitracin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Apply a thin layer of an antiseptic ointment, such as bacitracin, under the dressing. —Paul Auerbach, Outside Online, 9 Apr. 2012

The bills in our database show that one hospital in Tennessee charged a patient a pretty reasonable $1 for bacitracin — while another hospital in Seattle charged $76 for the exact same ointment. —Sarah Kliff, Vox, 18 Dec. 2018

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Bacillus subtilis (species of bacillus producing the toxin) + Margaret Tracy born about 1936 American child in whose tissues it was found

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

bacitracin

noun

bac·​i·​tra·​cin ˌbas-ə-ˈtrās-ᵊn 

: a polypeptide antibiotic isolated from a bacillus (Bacillus subtilis or B. licheniformis) and usually used topically especially against gram-positive bacteria