penicillin

(pen″ĭ-sil′ĭn )

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[ Penicillium + -in ]
Any of a group of antibiotics biosynthesized by several species of molds, esp. Penicillium notatum and P. chrysogenum. Penicillin is bactericidal, inhibiting the growth of some gram-positive bacteria and some spirochetes by interfering with cell wall synthesis. There are many different penicillins, including synthetic ones, and their effectiveness varies for different organisms.
SEE: penicillin allergy

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