Words / B1

ant-eeb-y-OT-ik/ˌæntibaɪˈɒtɪk/

An antibiotic is a medicine against bacterial infection: a course of antibiotics; antibiotic resistance. It does not treat viruses such as colds. Painkiller is a different class. Uncountable when you mean the type of drug in general. Do not ask for antibiotics “just in case” in an exam health essay without the bacterial point — UK GPs often refuse them for colds.

Meaning

A medicine that kills bacteria or stops them growing.

Examples

• “The GP said antibiotics would not help a viral cold.”
• “The GP said antibiotics would not help a viral sore throat.”
• “Antibiotic resistance is a growing public-health warning.”

Good to know

a course of antibiotics; antibiotic resistance. Not for viruses. Different: painkiller. Follow the full course if prescribed.

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