gramicidin

noun

gram·​i·​ci·​din ˌgra-mə-ˈsī-dᵊn How to pronounce gramicidin (audio)
: any of several toxic crystalline polypeptide antibiotics produced by a soil bacterium (Bacillus brevis) and used against gram-positive bacteria in local infections

Word History

Etymology

gram-positive + -i- + -cide + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gramicidin was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near gramicidin

Cite this Entry

“Gramicidin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gramicidin. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

gramicidin

noun
gram·​i·​ci·​din ˌgram-ə-ˈsīd-ᵊn How to pronounce gramicidin (audio)
: an antibacterial mixture produced by a soil bacterium of the genus Bacillus (B. brevis) and used topically against gram-positive bacteria in local infections especially of the eye

More from Merriam-Webster on gramicidin

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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