/ri fam"pin/ , n. Pharm.
a semisynthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic, C 43 H 58 N 4 O 12 , used in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, asymptomatic carriers of meningococcal disease, and leprosy.
[ 1965-70; prob. rifam ( yci ) n (orig., rifomycin, equiv. to rifo- (perh. rifo ( rmare ) to REFORM) + -MYCIN) + PI(PERAZINE) ]