streptothricin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “streptothricin” mean?
A basic, water-soluble antibiotic complex produced by certain bacteria of the genus Streptomyces.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A basic, water-soluble antibiotic complex produced by certain bacteria of the genus Streptomyces.
A family of antibiotics, specifically the streptothricin-group antibiotics, that are effective against some Gram-negative bacteria but have limited clinical use due to toxicity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage, spelling, or pronunciation between BrE and AmE. It is an international scientific term.
Connotations
Neutral scientific term in both varieties. May connote historical or niche antibiotic research.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to highly specialised texts.
Grammar
How to Use “streptothricin” in a Sentence
Streptothricin is effective against [bacterium].Researchers isolated streptothricin from [source].The mechanism of streptothricin involves [action].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “streptothricin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The streptothricin antibiotic group showed promise in early trials.
- A streptothricin-like compound was discovered.
American English
- The streptothricin antibiotic class was studied for its unique mechanism.
- They observed a streptothricin-resistant strain.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in specialised microbiology, pharmacology, and history of medicine publications.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Primary context. Used in research papers, compound descriptions, and discussions of antibiotic mechanisms/history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “streptothricin”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “streptothricin”
- Misspelling as 'streptotricin' (dropping the 'h').
- Incorrect pronunciation placing stress on the first syllable (/ˈstrɛptə-/). Correct stress is on 'thri' or 'thraɪ'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily of historical and research interest due to its toxicity (particularly nephrotoxicity) in humans.
It is produced by soil bacteria of the genus Streptomyces.
It is an antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis.
Absolutely not. It is not a commercially available pharmaceutical for human use.
A basic, water-soluble antibiotic complex produced by certain bacteria of the genus Streptomyces.
Streptothricin is usually technical/scientific in register.
Streptothricin: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstrɛptə(ʊ)ˈθrʌɪsɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstrɛptəˈθraɪsɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'STREP' throat is caused by bacteria; 'THRICIN' sounds like 'thrice' – this antibiotic targets bacteria, but its use was limited (perhaps to a few times).
Conceptual Metaphor
A CHEMICAL WEAPON (produced by one microbe to inhibit another).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'streptothricin' primarily used?