noun

erythromycin

ih-rith-roh-MY-sin

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Erythromycin (noun) means a broad-spectrum antibiotic, similar in effect to penicillin, used to treat infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. Example: “The doctor prescribed erythromycin for the chest infection.”

noun

technical A broad-spectrum antibiotic, similar in effect to penicillin, used to treat infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria.

"The doctor prescribed erythromycin for the chest infection."

"Erythromycin can be given as tablets or applied as a topical cream."

"Patients allergic to penicillin are sometimes given erythromycin instead."

How to use erythromycin

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishErythromycin is a type of antibiotic doctors use much like penicillin.

When to use it

Erythromycin is a medical and pharmacological term, used in clinical rather than casual speech.

Memory tip

The main stress falls on the syllable my, so it is said ih-rith-roh-MY-sin.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

prescribed erythromycin a course of erythromycin erythromycin cream allergic to erythromycin

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The doctor prescribed _____ for the chest infection.

Etymology

Erythromycin takes its name from the bacterium Streptomyces erythreus, combined with the ending -mycin, which marks an antibiotic derived from a Streptomyces strain.

Origin: scientific Latin

Synonyms

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Erythrocin Ethril Pediamycin Ilosone

Frequently asked questions

What is erythromycin used for?

It is used to treat a range of bacterial infections, acting in a similar way to penicillin.

Is erythromycin the same as penicillin?

No, it is a different type of antibiotic, but it is used for similar purposes and against similar bacteria.

How is erythromycin taken?

It can be taken orally or applied topically, depending on the type of infection being treated.

What is the meaning of erythromycin?

"erythromycin" (noun) means a broad-spectrum antibiotic, similar in effect to penicillin, used to treat infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria.