bacitracin

/ˌbæs.ɪˈtɹeɪ.sɪn/

bæs · ꞮTɹEꞮ · sɪn (3 syllables)

English Noun

Definition

A nonprescription polypeptide antibiotic isolated from a bacillus (Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus licheniformis), usually provided in topical ointment form especially against gram-positive bacteria.

Etymology

From translingual Baci(llus subtilis) + Tracy + -in. Named after American child Margaret Tracy (1936–1994), in whose leg infection the compound was first found.