NYT Dictionary
ANTIBIOTIC
/ˌæn.taɪ.baɪˈɑ.tɪk/NounAdjectivean-ti-bi-OT-ican-ti-bi-ot-ic · 5 syllablesGrade 5
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2025
Meaning
Any substance that can destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria and similar microorganisms, generally transported by the lymphatic system.
Etymology
Origin: French
Borrowed from French antibiotique; by surface analysis, anti- + -biotic.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
antibioticwonder drugantacidchloromycetinterramycinacaricideactinomycinalexipharmicamphotericinanthelmintic
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle, including a pangram: