amoxicillin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low
UK/əˌmɒksɪˈsɪlɪn/US/əˌmɑːksɪˈsɪlɪn/

Medical/Technical

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Quick answer

What does “amoxicillin” mean?

A broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.

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Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.

A semisynthetic antibiotic derived from penicillin, commonly prescribed for respiratory, ear, throat, and urinary tract infections.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling is identical; no significant usage differences.

Connotations

Identical medical connotations in both varieties.

Frequency

Equally common in medical contexts in both regions.

Grammar

How to Use “amoxicillin” in a Sentence

prescribe [amoxicillin] to [patient][patient] takes [amoxicillin][infection] is treated with [amoxicillin]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
prescribe amoxicillincourse of amoxicillinamoxicillin dosage
medium
take amoxicillinamoxicillin antibioticallergic to amoxicillin
weak
amoxicillin treatmentamoxicillin resistanceamoxicillin suspension

Examples

Examples of “amoxicillin” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The amoxicillin dose was adjusted.
  • Amoxicillin resistance is growing.

American English

  • The amoxicillin prescription was filled.
  • Amoxicillin therapy proved effective.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare; appears in pharmaceutical industry reports.

Academic

Common in medical and pharmacology texts.

Everyday

Used in healthcare conversations (e.g., with doctors/pharmacists).

Technical

Standard term in medical prescriptions and clinical discussions.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “amoxicillin”

Strong

Augmentin (when combined with clavulanate)

Neutral

penicillin antibiotic

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “amoxicillin”

placeboineffective substance

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “amoxicillin”

  • Misspelling as 'amoxycillin' or 'amoxocillin'.
  • Incorrect pronunciation stressing the first syllable.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Amoxicillin is a type of penicillin, specifically a semisynthetic aminopenicillin.

It is generally advised to avoid alcohol as it may reduce effectiveness and increase side effects.

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose.

Symptoms often improve within 48-72 hours, but the full course must be completed to prevent recurrence.

A broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections.

Amoxicillin is usually medical/technical in register.

Amoxicillin: in British English it is pronounced /əˌmɒksɪˈsɪlɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌmɑːksɪˈsɪlɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • None

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'AMO' (I love) + 'XI' (eleven in Roman numerals) + 'CILLIN' (like penicillin) → 'I love eleven types of penicillin' → a common penicillin antibiotic.

Conceptual Metaphor

Medicine as a weapon (e.g., 'amoxicillin fights infection').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
For a strep throat infection, the GP might prescribe a ten-day course of .
Multiple Choice

What class of drug is amoxicillin?