an|ti|bi|ot|ic

an|ti|bi|ot|ic «_AN tee by OT ihk», noun, adjective.

–n.

a substance produced by a living organism, especially a bacterium or a fungus, that destroys or weakens germs. Penicillin is an antibiotic useful in treating scarlet fever and common types of blood poisoning. Tetracycline and streptomycin are antibiotics.

–adj.

of or having to do with antibiosis or antibiotics; destroying or inhibiting the growth or action of microorganisms through antibiosis: »

Antibiotic drugs are well on the way to abolishing diseases caused by bacteria and larger organisms, and even some viruses (Science News Letter).