chlortetracycline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific/Medical
Quick answer
What does “chlortetracycline” mean?
An antibiotic derived from the bacterium Streptomyces aureofaciens, used in medicine and agriculture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An antibiotic derived from the bacterium Streptomyces aureofaciens, used in medicine and agriculture.
A broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic historically used to treat bacterial infections in humans and animals, and as a growth promoter in livestock.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical or usage differences exist for this specific drug name. Spelling is identical. The common brand name 'Aureomycin' is used in both markets.
Connotations
None beyond its technical meaning. Connotations are purely scientific.
Frequency
Equally rare and technical in both varieties. Its use is largely confined to specific professional fields (veterinary medicine, pharmacology, historical medicine).
Grammar
How to Use “chlortetracycline” in a Sentence
The vet prescribed [chlortetracycline] for the infection.The pigs were given feed containing [chlortetracycline].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chlortetracycline” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The chlortetracycline solution must be kept in the fridge.
- They studied the chlortetracycline resistance genes.
American English
- The chlortetracycline ointment is applied topically.
- A chlortetracycline-resistant strain emerged on the farm.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Mentioned in pharmaceutical industry reports, agriculture (animal feed additive regulations).
Academic
Discussed in pharmacology, veterinary science, microbiology, and history of medicine papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. A GP or vet might use the broader term 'tetracycline'.
Technical
Used in veterinary prescriptions, scientific research on antibiotic resistance, and historical clinical literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chlortetracycline”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chlortetracycline”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chlortetracycline”
- Misspelling: 'chlorotetracycline' (adding an extra 'o').
- Mispronunciation: putting stress on the wrong syllable, e.g., /klɔːrˈtɛtrə/ instead of /ˌklɔːrtetrə-/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its use in human medicine is now very rare in most countries, having been largely superseded by newer tetracyclines like doxycycline which have better absorption and fewer side effects.
It was the first tetracycline antibiotic ever discovered (1948), paving the way for a major class of broad-spectrum antibiotics and revolutionizing the treatment of many bacterial infections.
The primary concerns are contributing to antibiotic resistance and its potential to cause tooth discoloration in children if used systemically. Its use as a growth promoter in livestock is heavily regulated for these reasons.
No. It is a prescription-only medication (for veterinary or, in rare cases, human use) due to its status as a potent antibiotic and the risks of misuse and resistance development.
An antibiotic derived from the bacterium Streptomyces aureofaciens, used in medicine and agriculture.
Chlortetracycline is usually technical/scientific/medical in register.
Chlortetracycline: in British English it is pronounced /ˌklɔːtetrəˈsaɪkliːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌklɔːrtetrəˈsaɪkliːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CHLORine + TETRAcycline. 'Chlor-' hints at the chlorine atom in its structure, and 'tetracycline' is the antibiotic class. It was discovered from a golden (aureo) mold, hence the brand name Aureomycin.
Conceptual Metaphor
A KEY that blocks a bacterial LOCK (protein synthesis).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'chlortetracycline' most commonly used today?