antibiótico
/antiˈbjotiko/masculine
The Spanish word for "antibiotic" is antibiótico.
An antibiótico is a substance used to destroy or inhibit bacteria.
Meaning: substance that destroys or inhibits bacteria (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term antibiograma is used specifically to refer to the sensitivity test used to determine which antibiotic is most effective for a particular infection.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word antibiótico is a masculine noun. It can also be used as an adjective to mean "of or relating to antibiotics".
How do you pronounce it?
/antiˈbjotiko/
Did you know?
- The term antibiótico is often used colloquially in some regions to refer to any strong medicine used to treat a throat infection, regardless of whether the cause is viral.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, pharmacists are legally prohibited from selling an antibiótico without a medical prescription.
- The Spanish word biótico appears in antibiótico and is also used today to describe 'probiotics' as probióticos.
Examples in context
- Mi médico me recetó un antibiótico para tratar mi infección de garganta.My doctor prescribed an antibiotic to treat my throat infection.
- Los antibióticos son eficaces contra las infecciones bacterianas.Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections.
- Siempre debes seguir las indicaciones del médico cuando tomes antibióticos.You should always follow the doctor's instructions when taking antibiotics.
- Este antibiótico es muy fuerte.This antibiotic is very strong.
- Necesito comprar un antibiótico.I need to buy an antibiotic.
- El médico me recetó un antibiótico.The doctor prescribed me an antibiotic.
Example conversation
Mateo is telling Elena about his visit to the doctor.
- MateoTengo una infección y tomo un antibiótico.I have an infection and I'm taking an antibiotic.
- Elena¿Cuántas veces al día lo tomas?How many times a day do you take it?
- MateoTomo el antibiótico cada doce horas.I take the antibiotic every twelve hours.
- ElenaEspero que te sientas mejor pronto, Mateo.I hope you feel better soon, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “antibiotic” translations and entries antibiótico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
