Origin: Greek prefix anti-
Antibiotic has 4 different meanings across 2 categories:
a chemical substance derivable from a mold or bacterium that can kill microorganisms and cure bacterial infections
"when antibiotics were first discovered they were called wonder drugs"
Any substance that can destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria and similar microorganisms, generally transported by the lymphatic system.
"The antibiotic was absorbed into his bloodstream and distributed throughout his body via the lymphatic system to fight off the bacterial infection."
In plain English: An antibiotic is medicine that kills bacteria to help you get better from an infection.
"The doctor prescribed an antibiotic to treat his sore throat infection."
Usage: Reserve this term specifically for substances targeting bacterial infections; using it broadly to describe antiviral medications is a common error since viruses are not affected by antibiotics. Additionally, avoid applying the adjective form to non-bacterial illnesses when describing treatment efficacy.
of or relating to antibiotic drugs
"The doctor prescribed an antibiotic course to treat her severe bacterial infection."
Of or relating to antibiotics.
"The antibiotic properties of this new extract make it a promising candidate for treating bacterial infections."
In plain English: An antibiotic is something that kills bacteria to help you get better when you are sick.
"The doctor prescribed an antibiotic medicine to clear up my ear infection."
The word antibiotic entered English from the French term antibiotique. It is formed from the prefix anti- meaning "against" and -biotic relating to life or living organisms.