beta-lactam

English

Alternative forms

• β-lactam, betalactam

Etymology

From beta +‎ lactam, where beta refers to the position of the carbon atom to which the nitrogen is attached.

Noun

beta-lactam (plural beta-lactams)

1. (organic chemistry) A lactam having a four-membered ring structure; a structural element of many antibiotics such as penicillin.

   Hypernym: lactam

Derived terms

• beta-lactamase
• beta-lactamic

 

Related terms

• alpha-lactam

 

Translations

lactam having a four-membered ring structure

• Hungarian: béta-laktám

See also

• penam