beta-lactam
nounEtymology From beta + lactam, where beta refers to the position of the carbon atom to which the nitrogen is attached.
1
Chemistry, Natural sciences, Organic chemistry, Physical sciences A lactam having a four-membered ring structure; a structural element of many antibiotics such as penicillin.
- Derived terms
- beta-lactamase, beta-lactamic, monobactam
- Related terms
- alpha-lactam, penam