noun

penicillin

penicillin

The doctor prescribed penicillin for the infection.

The doctor prescribed penicillin for the infection.

Some people are allergic to penicillin.

Some people are allergic to penicillin.

((uncountable noun)) penicillin Some people are allergic to penicillin.

Synonyms: antibiotic, amoxicillin

From the fungus 'Penicillium', which comes from the Latin 'penicillus' meaning 'painter's brush', due to its shape.

Think of a 'pen' that 'kills' bacteria, hence 'peni-cillin'.

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