polymyxin

noun

poly·​myx·​in ˌpä-lē-ˈmik-sən How to pronounce polymyxin (audio)
: any of several toxic antibiotics obtained from a soil bacterium (Bacillus polymyxa) and active against gram-negative bacteria

Examples of polymyxin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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After 30 days of exposure, the bacteria could tolerate doses of polymyxin B that were 256 times higher than the original amount, but the SCUBs remained effective at the same dose. Max G. Levy, Wired, 30 Nov. 2021 Instead, antibiotics commonly used in flu vaccine manufacturing include neomycin, kanamycin, polymyxin B and gentamicin. Anne P. Kim, The Conversation, 13 Nov. 2020 The foreign bodies were removed from the nasal region of the right cornea using Jewelers forceps, and the patient was prescribed a combination neomycin, polymyxin B, and dexamethasone ointment (Maxitrol(®)), given 4 times per day. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2013

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from New Latin polymyxa, from poly- + Greek myxa mucus — more at mucus

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polymyxin was in 1947

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polymyxin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymyxin. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

polymyxin

noun
poly·​myx·​in ˌpäl-i-ˈmik-sən How to pronounce polymyxin (audio)
: any of several toxic antibiotics obtained from a soil bacterium (Paenibacillus polymyxa) and active against gram-negative bacteria

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