bacitracin

noun

bac·​i·​tra·​cin ˌba-sə-ˈtrā-sᵊn How to pronounce bacitracin (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Time Traveler
The first known use of bacitracin was in 1945

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Cite this Entry

“Bacitracin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bacitracin. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

bacitracin

noun
bac·​i·​tra·​cin ˌbas-ə-ˈtrās-ᵊn How to pronounce bacitracin (audio)
: a polypeptide antibiotic isolated from a bacillus (Bacillus subtilis or B. licheniformis) and usually used topically especially against gram-positive bacteria

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