polymyxin

noun

poly·​myx·​in ˌpä-lē-ˈmik-sən 

: any of several toxic antibiotics obtained from a soil bacterium (Bacillus polymyxa) and active against gram-negative bacteria

Examples of polymyxin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The foreign bodies were removed from the nasal region of the right cornea using Jewelers forceps, and the patient was prescribed a combination neomycin, polymyxin B, and dexamethasone ointment (Maxitrol(®)), given 4 times per day. —Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2013

In a study published last month in The Lancet, the scientists describe the emergence of a new gene, MCR-1, that grants E. coli bacteria immunity to a class of antibiotics called colistin, also referred to as polymyxin. —Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2015

After 30 days of exposure, the bacteria could tolerate doses of polymyxin B that were 256 times higher than the original amount, but the SCUBs remained effective at the same dose. —Max G. Levy, Wired, 30 Nov. 2021

Instead, antibiotics commonly used in flu vaccine manufacturing include neomycin, kanamycin, polymyxin B and gentamicin. —Anne P. Kim, The Conversation, 13 Nov. 2020

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from New Latin polymyxa, from poly- + Greek myxa mucus — more at mucus

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

polymyxin

noun

poly·​myx·​in ˌpäl-i-ˈmik-sən 

: any of several toxic antibiotics obtained from a soil bacterium of the genus Bacillus (B. polymyxa) and active against gram-negative bacteria