antibiotic
antibiotic — noun
1. a drug used to fight infections caused by bacteria, by killing the bacteria or s
a drug used to fight infections caused by bacteria, by killing the bacteria or stopping them from spreading inside the body — for example, penicillin given for a throat infection.
Dr. Nikolai prescribed a five-day course of antibiotics for Tomás's chest infection.
collocation: prescribe a course of antibiotics
You should finish the whole course of antibiotics, even after you start feeling better.
collocation: finish the course of antibiotics
Zane was given antibiotics at the hospital after his tooth surgery.
Dr. Lopez warned Sofia that taking antibiotics for every sore throat would weaken their effect later.
In 1944, an army nurse gave wounded soldier Tom Reed antibiotics, and his leg infection cleared within days.
- antibacterial
more technical; often used for products like soap or cleaners that kill bacteria
- antimicrobial
broader scientific term covering anything that kills bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites
文法句型
a course of antibiotics
take/prescribe antibiotics
用法筆記
Most often used in the plural (antibiotics) when talking about a treatment, even if only one drug is involved. Frequently appears with verbs like prescribe, take, give, finish, and complete.
常見錯誤
antibiotic — adjective
1. describing a substance, treatment, or property that fights bacteria — for exampl
describing a substance, treatment, or property that fights bacteria — for example, an ointment that kills germs in a small cut, or a cream used to treat skin infections.
The nurse cleaned the wound and applied an antibiotic ointment to Fadi's knee.
before noun: antibiotic ointment / cream / drug
Honey has natural antibiotic properties that can help small cuts heal faster.
collocation: antibiotic properties
Farmers in many countries still add antibiotic drugs to animal feed.
Ines rubbed an antibiotic cream onto the cat scratch on her arm.
- antibacterial
interchangeable in everyday contexts like soap or cream; more common on consumer products
- antimicrobial
broader and more scientific; covers more than just bacteria
文法句型
antibiotic + noun
用法筆記
Almost always used before a noun (antibiotic cream, antibiotic treatment, antibiotic resistance). Rarely used after a verb like 'be' — speakers prefer 'has antibiotic properties' over 'is antibiotic'.