actinomycin

noun

ac·​ti·​no·​my·​cin ˌak-(ˌ)ti-nō-ˈmī-sᵊn How to pronounce actinomycin (audio)
-tə-nō-;
ak-ˌti-nō-
: any of various red or yellow-red mostly toxic polypeptide antibiotics isolated from soil bacteria (especially Streptomyces antibioticus)
specifically : one used to inhibit DNA or RNA synthesis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Actinomyces actinomyces + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of actinomycin was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near actinomycin

Cite this Entry

“Actinomycin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/actinomycin. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

actinomycin

noun
ac·​ti·​no·​my·​cin -ˈmīs-ᵊn How to pronounce actinomycin (audio)
: any of various red or yellow-red mostly toxic polypeptide antibiotics isolated from soil bacteria (especially Streptomyces antibioticus)
specifically : one used to inhibit DNA or RNA synthesis
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