puromycin

noun

pu·​ro·​my·​cin ˌpyu̇r-ə-ˈmī-sᵊn How to pronounce puromycin (audio)
: an antibiotic C22H29N7O5 that is obtained from an actinomycete (Streptomyces alboniger) and is a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis

Word History

Etymology

purine + -o- + -mycin

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of puromycin was in 1953

Dictionary Entries Near puromycin

Cite this Entry

“Puromycin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puromycin. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

puromycin

noun
pu·​ro·​my·​cin ˌpyu̇r-ə-ˈmīs-ᵊn How to pronounce puromycin (audio)
: an antibiotic C22H29N7O5 that is obtained from an actinomycete of the genus Streptomyces (S. alboniger) and is used especially as a potent inhibitor of protein synthesis in microorganisms and mammalian cells

More from Merriam-Webster on puromycin

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!