# penicillin

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˌpɛn.ɪˈsɪl.ɪn/ · frequency rank #27,594

## Definitions
1. Any of a group of narrow-spectrum antibiotics obtained from Penicillium molds or synthesized, that have a beta-lactam structure and are active against gram-positive bacteria and used in the treatment of various infections and diseases.
2. A blue mold of the genus Penicillium that produces penicillin.

## Etymology
From translingual Penicillium + -in. Coined by Alexander Fleming after Penicillium notatum (now Penicillium chrysogenum), a fungus from which penicillin is obtained.

## Common misspellings (13)
`epnicillin`, `peincillin`, `penciillin`, `peniccillin`, `penicililn`, `penicilin`, `penicillinn`, `penicillni`, `peniclilin`, `peniicllin`, `pennicillin`, `pneicillin`, `ppenicillin`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/penicillin