- Definition: Antibiotics are medicinal drugs used to prevent and treat bacterial infections. They work by killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth, but they are ineffective against viruses.
- Etymology: The term ‘antibiotic’ comes from the Greek words “anti” meaning “against” and “bios” meaning “life,” referring to their use in fighting living organisms that cause infections.
- Origin: The concept of antibiotics emerged in the early 20th century. The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928 marked the beginning of modern antibiotics, revolutionizing medical treatment of bacterial infections.
Antibiotics: Defining the Bacteria-Fighting Drugs and Their Origins
