gentamicin

noun

gen·​ta·​mi·​cin ˌjen-tə-ˈmī-sᵊn How to pronounce gentamicin (audio)
: a broad-spectrum antibiotic mixture derived from an actinomycete (Micromonospora purpurea or M. echinospora) and extensively used as the sulfate in treating infections (as of the urinary tract)

Examples of gentamicin 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.
Additionally, some aminoglycoside antibiotics like gentamicin and tobramycin can cause your body to lose magnesium through urine. — Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2024 This includes some older antibiotics, like streptomycin or gentamicin, or newer ones, such as ciprofloxacin. — Mark Kortepeter, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier gentamycin, from gentian violet + kanamycin; from the color of the actinomycete

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gentamicin was in 1963

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“Gentamicin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentamicin. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

gentamicin

noun
gen·​ta·​mi·​cin ˌjent-ə-ˈmīs-ᵊn How to pronounce gentamicin (audio)
: a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic mixture that is derived from two actinomycetes of the genus Micromonospora (M. purpurea and M. echinospora) and is extensively used in the form of the sulfate in treating infections especially of the urinary tract

More from Merriam-Webster on gentamicin

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gentamicin

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