How Do You Spell OPTOCHIN?

Pronunciation: [ˈɒptə͡ʊt͡ʃˌɪn] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "optochin" may be confusing to those unfamiliar with its origins. The word is pronounced "op-tuh-khin" which is reflected in its IPA phonetic transcription (/ˈɑːptəkɪn/). "Opto" derives from the Greek word "optikos," meaning "seen" or "visible," while "chin" refers to the chemical structure of the compound. Often used in laboratory settings to identify Streptococcus pneumoniae, the proper spelling and pronunciation of optochin are essential for accurate research and diagnosis.

OPTOCHIN Meaning and Definition

1. Optochin is a noun that refers to a chemical compound utilized in laboratory settings and medical practice. Specifically, it is an alkaloid derived from the bark of the tree chaulmoogra that has been synthesized for pharmaceutical applications. Optochin's main purpose is as a selective agent in identifying the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, commonly known as pneumococcus.

   The compound acts by inhibiting the growth of this bacteria species, making it valuable for diagnostic tests, such as the optochin susceptibility test. This assay involves culturing a sample of bacteria on a medium containing optochin, and then observing the growth inhibition, which is characteristic of Streptococcus pneumoniae. This allows for the differentiation of pneumococcal infections from other types of bacterial infections.

   Optochin's effectiveness in distinguishing pneumococcus has made it an essential tool in clinical microbiology and epidemiology, aiding in the identification and control of diseases caused by this particular pathogen. The selection of optochin primarily relies on its ability to target the bacterial cell membrane within pneumococcus, affecting its metabolic activity and ultimately leading to bacterial death.

   While optochin exhibits advantageous properties, it is not without limitations. Some strains of pneumococcus have developed resistance to optochin, reducing its effectiveness in certain instances. Additionally, like any chemical compound, it may have side effects or contraindications when used in pharmaceutical applications. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution and follow proper guidelines when working with optochin in laboratory or medical contexts.

2. Ethylhydrocuprein.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for OPTOCHIN

• iptochin
• kptochin
• lptochin
• pptochin
• 0ptochin
• 9ptochin
• ootochin
• oltochin
• o-tochin
• o0tochin
• oprochin
• opfochin
• opgochin
• opyochin
• op6ochin
• op5ochin
• optichin
• optkchin
• optlchin
• optpchin

Etymology of OPTOCHIN

The word "optochin" is a combination of the terms "opt" and "ochin". The term "opt" is an abbreviation for optometry, referring to the field of eye care and vision health. The term "ochin" is likely derived from the word "ochimus", which is a Latinized form of the Greek word "ochein", meaning "to sharpen". Thus, when combined, "optochin" can be understood as a word related to the field of optometry or eye care, potentially suggesting a substance used to sharpen or improve vision.