clavulanic acid

clav·u·lan·ic acid

 (klăv′yo͝o-lăn′ĭk)

n.

A compound, C₈H₉NO₅, originally obtained from the bacterium Streptomyces clavuligerus, that inhibits action of the enzyme beta-lactamase, thus counteracting bacterial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. It is used in combination with antibiotics such as amoxicillin to treat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

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[New Latin clāvul(igerus), specific epithet (from clāvula, spore, diminutive of Latin clāva, club) + -an(e) + -ic.]