antibiotic

Everyday

A medicine that kills bacteria or stops them from growing, used to treat infections caused by bacteria, like some ear or chest infections. tree →

In the lessons

In health and science, antibiotics work against bacteria but not against viruses, so they do not cure colds or flu. Doctors prescribe them only when needed. You must take them exactly as the doctor says and finish the whole course, even if you feel better, so the bacteria do not come back stronger. Overusing antibiotics helps bacteria become resistant, so the medicines stop working. The first antibiotic, penicillin, was discovered by Alexander Fleming from a mould. Phrases: "a course of antibiotics", "on antibiotics", "antibiotic cream", "antibiotic resistance".

Examples

• The doctor gave me antibiotics for my ear infection. tree →
• Antibiotics don't work on colds, because colds are caused by viruses. tree →
• Finish the whole course of antibiotics. tree →
• Penicillin was the first antibiotic. tree →
• She put antibiotic cream on the infected cut. tree →
• Never take someone else's antibiotics. tree →
• Take your antibiotic with food, the label says. tree →
• Bacteria can become resistant if antibiotics are overused. tree →

Note

Use "an": an antibiotic. "Anti" means against, "bio" means life. Common trap: antibiotics do not kill viruses. Only take medicine from a trusted adult and as the doctor or label says.