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methicillin
noun
meth·i·cil·lin
ˌme-thə-ˈsi-lən
: a semisynthetic penicillin C17H19N2O6NaS used especially in the form of its sodium salt against beta-lactamase-producing staphylococci
Examples of methicillin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
About 40% of those S. aureus infections were the difficult-to-treat kind: methicillin-resistant S. aureus, also known as MRSA.
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Isabella Cueto, STAT, 6 Feb. 2023
Microban 24 is a sanitizing spray that, according to the brand’s website, provides 24-hour protection against Staphylococcus aureus—a microbial villain that comes in several varieties, including the methicillin-resistant type known as MRSA, any of which can cause a serious staph infection.
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Heather Mayer Irvine, Popular Mechanics, 20 Sep. 2021
Roughly 40% of the infections were resistant to treatment with the antibiotic methicillin, the report found.
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Fox News, 7 Feb. 2023
Some of the most dangerous superbugs include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridioides difficile, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of gonorrhea.
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Bill Sullivan, Discover Magazine, 3 Nov. 2021
Young and otherwise healthy people can get a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, infection on their skin.
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BostonGlobe.com, 14 July 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'methicillin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
meth- + penicillin
First Known Use
1961, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near methicillin
Cite this Entry
“Methicillin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/methicillin. Accessed 11 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
methicillin
noun
meth·i·cil·lin
ˌmeth-ə-ˈsil-ən
: a form of penicillin used especially against certain forms of staphylococcus bacteria
Medical Definition
methicillin
noun
meth·i·cil·lin
ˌmeth-ə-ˈsil-ən
: a semisynthetic penicillin C17H19N2O6NaS that is especially effective against beta-lactamase producing staphylococci
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