cephalexin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “cephalexin” mean?
A first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
A beta-lactam antibiotic derived from cephalosporin C, effective against gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria, commonly prescribed for respiratory, skin, ear, and urinary tract infections.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Neutral medical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cephalexin” in a Sentence
The doctor prescribed cephalexin [to the patient].The patient was given cephalexin [for the infection].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medical and pharmacological research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Used only when discussing a specific prescription with a doctor or pharmacist.
Technical
Core term in medical, pharmaceutical, and clinical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cephalexin”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cephalexin”
- Misspelling as 'cephalextin', 'cephalaxin', or 'kephalexin'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will cephalexin the infection').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Cephalexin is used to treat bacterial infections such as respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, otitis media (ear infections), and urinary tract infections.
No, cephalexin is a cephalosporin antibiotic. It is chemically related to penicillins (both are beta-lactams) but is a distinct class. People with penicillin allergies may sometimes also be allergic to cephalosporins.
Cephalexin is almost always administered orally, in the form of capsules, tablets, or liquid suspension.
The most common brand name for cephalexin is Keflex.
A first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
Cephalexin is usually technical/medical in register.
Cephalexin: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛfəˈlɛksɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛfəˈlɛksɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'CEPHAL' (head, as in cephalic) + 'EXIN' (sounds like 'exit' for germs). A drug that makes germs exit from your head/body.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANTIBIOTIC IS A SOLDIER/WARRIOR (fights infection).
Practice
Quiz
Cephalexin is primarily classified as what type of drug?