B2nounhealthscience
US/ˌæn.tiː.baɪˈɑː.tɪk/
UK/ˌæn.ti.baɪˈɒt.ɪk/
a medicine that kills bacteria and is used to treat infections
In context
The doctor gave me antibiotics for my throat infection.
You must finish the whole course of antibiotics, even if you feel better.
Overuse of antibiotics has made some infections harder to treat.
Words that go with antibiotic
verb + noun
- take antibioticsYou should take antibiotics only when a doctor prescribes them.
- prescribe antibioticsDoctors prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections.
noun + preposition
- a course of antibioticsHe needed a course of antibiotics after the surgery.
- overuse of antibioticsThe overuse of antibiotics in farming worries scientists.
noun + noun
- antibiotic resistanceAntibiotic resistance is a growing threat to public health.
adjective + noun
- broad-spectrum antibioticA broad-spectrum antibiotic works against many types of bacteria.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
take an antibiotic for a coldCorrect: take antibiotics for a cold