Actinomycin

/ækˌtɪnəˈmaɪsɪn/ noun

Definition

A type of antibiotic compound produced by actinomycete bacteria, used in medicine and research.

Etymology

From actinomycete (ray fungus) plus the chemical suffix -in, referring to a substance produced by these bacteria.

Kelly Says

Actinomycin D became one of the first antibiotics used to fight cancer—a perfect example of how studying soil bacteria led to life-saving medicines.

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