ˌpälēˈmiksə̇n, -lə̇ˌm- noun
( -s )
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary, from New Latin polymyxa (specific epithet of Bacillus polymyxa — from poly- + -myxa — ) + International Scientific Vocabulary -in
: any of several basic polypeptide toxic antibiotics that are obtained from strains of a soil bacterium ( Bacillus polymyxa ) and are active against gram-negative bacteria: as
a. or polymyxin A : one of three nephrotoxic antibiotics
b. or polymyxin B : the least toxic of the polymyxins used in the form of its sulfate chiefly in the treatment of some localized gastrointestinal, or systemic infections